18-storey mixed-use building at 8 -10 Greenock Road, Acton, London W3

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing the existing buildings and constructing an 18-storey stepped mixed-use building with industrial space, a café and 124 homes.

“Proposal: Construction of a stepped building up to 18 storeys, comprising flexible industrial space (Class Eg(iii)/B2/B8), café (Class E) and 124 residential units, with associated off-street servicing areas and blue badge parking, refuse, cycle storage, plant rooms, landscaping and amenity space and associated works (Following demolition of existing buildings)”

“2,159sqm of industrial space over ground, first and part-second floors. This is an uplift from the existing floor space of 1,750sqm. • Off-street servicing and delivery areas for the proposed industrial space. • 124 residential homes in a variety of different sizes. • Double-height space for a café or similar at the Greenock Road frontage of the site.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

The committee had resolved to grant permission in February 2024, and the application later received GLA Stage II clearance while the legal agreement neared completion.

“This report considers the updated position on the proposed development that had Planning Committee’s resolution to grant planning permission at the site 8-10 Greenock Road on 28 February 2024.”

“Currently, the application has received the GLA’s Stage II response, which confirms that the Local Authority can determine the application, and drafting of the legal agreement is at near completion.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval with a £1 million payment towards affordable housing, GLA referral, legal agreements, conditions and early and late viability reviews.

“That the committee approve the revised scheme and recommendations set out in the main report dated 28 th February 2024 and this report, and delegate authority to the Assistant Director of Planning, Design and Sustainability to finalise the legal agreement under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) in order to secure the following:”

“Proposed conditions as per Officer’s report dated 28/02/2024 (Appendix 1) • Heads of Terms as per Officers report dated 28/02/2024 (Appendix 1) however replace ‘36.5% of units by habitable rooms in the form of 26 homes (75 HRs) within London Affordable Rent Tenure and 17 homes (51 HRs) within Intermediate (Shared Ownership) Tenure’ with Payment in lieu of £1m towards affordable housing. • Early and Late Stage Viability mechanism for affordable housing…”

Officer report

The main planning issue

The revised affordable housing offer followed an independent finding that the development was not viable, while officers considered the payment the maximum reasonable contribution.

“So, whilst the current adopted policy position is 35% affordable housing, with strategic target of 50% at the local level, the measures through the draft LPG includes reduction to 20% for fast track, whilst the emerging local plan seeks 40% threshold.”

“The Council’s appointed the Newmark to review the viability assessment submitted by the applicant and have concluded that the payment in lieu (PIL) of £1 million would be the maximum reasonable amount towards affordable housing. The Viability Assessment Review have concluded that the proposal is not viable and would be in deficit by £4,739,473.”

Officer report

Who spoke

No speakers addressed the committee on this application.

The committee vote

The committee voted on the application and resolved to grant planning permission.

“The Committee proceeded to vote on the application.”

“That for the reasons set out in the committee report and Briefing Note, planning permission for application REF 231285FUL be GRANTED and:”

Minutes