215-flat mixed-use development at Southall Community Centre, Southall

“Proposal: Demolition of existing buildings and construction of a part 6, part 8, part 10, part 16 and part 22 storey mixed-use development with part basement, comprising community and commercial uses on the ground and mezzanine floors and 215 flats above, associated cycle/vehicle parking, and a servicing bay with new access road along the southern boundary of Merrick Road…”

“The 0.35 ha application site lies on a prominent corner at the junction of the two arms of Merrick Road, to the south of Southall Station. It contains a part one, part two-storey locally listed building originally built as a community-centre for the workers of the nearby Margarine Factory. It was then operated by Ealing Council as a community centre until the early 2000s before being purchased by the current owner for use as a banqueting hall with occasional community use.”

“The site does not contain or adjoin any statutory listed building and is not within a Conservation Area. However, the existing building on the site is locally listed and deemed to have a ‘group’ value with the Arches Business Centre and Sunrise Radio Building to the north and north-east respectively.”

“Recommendation: Grant with conditions subject to Stage II referral to the Mayor of London, completion of a S106 Agreement and a S278 Agreement, and subject to conditions of consent. This permission would also be subject to a Community Infrastructure Levy payment to the Greater London Authority (GLA).”

“The main issues in assessing this proposal are the land use, quantum of development, the design and impact on the character and appearance of the area, the scale of the proposed building and its relationship with surrounding properties/overall context, loss of a locally listed building, impacts on amenity of adjacent uses, the quality of internal living environment for residents, the transport impact of the development and sustainability aspects.”

“A motion was moved by a member of the committee to defer the decision on the application to a later date. Following this, the committee proceeded to hold a vote on the motion.”

“That for the reasons set out in the committee report and questions made during the meeting, planning permission for application REF 223246FUL be DEFERRED for officers to further negotiate affordable housing.”