Four commercial units at Central Park Estate, Staines Road, Hounslow

What was proposed

The application proposed four commercial units with mixed industrial and employment uses, ancillary facilities, service yards, community space, parking and landscaping.

“P/2024/4226 Address: Central Park Estate, Staines Road, TW4 5DJ Proposal: Erection of four commercial units of mixed uses B2 (General Industrial), B8 (Storage & Distribution), E(g)(ii) (Research & Development), and E(g)(iii) (Mixed Employment floorspace) with ancillary offices, a new gate house, cycle hub, café, associated service yard areas, community amenity space, new substation, car parking and landscaping.”

“The proposal being considered under this application is for the erection of four warehouse units with ancillary offices and service yards attached each, falling under use classes B2 (General Industrial), B8 (Storage & Distribution), E(g)(ii) (Research & Development), and E(g)(iii) (Mixed Employment floorspace). The proposal would also include a new gate house, café and cycle hub, community amenity space, landscaping, car parking and other ancillary structures.”

Officer report

Relevant planning history

The site had limited planning history, including a 2024 screening proposal and earlier permissions for industrial units and changes at the existing estate.

“RELEVANT HISTORY 3.1 The application site itself remains largely undeveloped and has limited planning history. SRN/2024/1992”

“(Screening) Development of the site for up to 16,500sqm of flexible B2 general industrial, B8 storage and distribution, and E(g)(iii) light industrial purposes with ancillary offices, together with associated car parking, yard areas, servicing, and landscape planting. No objection – 13/09/2024 3.2 Some key schemes pertaining to the existing Central Park Estate are noted below.”

Officer report

Consultation and responses

One organisation supported the proposal; consultees sought changes and conditions on transport, biodiversity, energy, drainage, fire safety and other matters.

“GLA officers provided the following comments: • The proposals could be regarded as being sited on grey belt land subject to subject to demonstrating a need for the development and that the site falls within a sustainable location. The intensification of employment floorspace on previously developed land serving a non-designated industrial site within the Heathrow Opportunity Area could be supported in principle. Flexible and affordable workspace should be further considered.”

“Amendments and clarifications were sought and discussed with the GLA. No further comments were received on design considerations. Conditions pertaining to Whole Life Cycle and Circular Economy have been secured. Amendments and clarifications on green infrastructure, biodiversity net gain, tree value and impact on SINC were sought, and no further objections. Transport matters were dealt with suitably, and appropriate conditions and S106 contributions have been agreed.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The career grade planner presented the report and answered members’ questions.

Members’ discussion

Members discussed landscaping, green infrastructure, local employment and apprenticeships, and expressed support for the proposal.

“Following questions [name withheld] advised that there was no requirement for urban greening in industrial developments, however, the site still delivered 0.4. In terms of improvements in green infrastructure, there would be planting of native trees and shrubbery, plus green infrastructure systems, drainage systems and retention ponds. There would also be green roofs, green walls and an enhanced drainage strategy to support the entire site.”

“In debate, Cllr Gurmail Lal said that he believed the Application to be ideally suited for the site and that he was glad about the extra 131 construction jobs and 254 operational jobs created. Asked about possible apprenticeships for locals [name withheld] advised that the Applicant estimated that many of the jobs provided would go to local residents and there would also be an employment plan in place to ensure that the right numbers were secured.”

Minutes

The committee vote

A motion to approve the officer recommendation was proposed and seconded, receiving eleven votes in favour, no votes against and no abstentions.

“Cllr Dan Bowring expressed satisfaction with the proposals and moved approval of the officer’s recommendations, seconded by Cllr John Stroud-Turp. Members voted unanimously to approve the recommendations.”

“For – Eleven votes. Against – No votes. Abstentions – None.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee approved the application subject to conditions, completion of legal and highway agreements, and referrals to the GLA and Secretary of State.

“Resolved – that planning application P/2024/4226, erection of four commercial units of mixed uses B2 (General Industrial), B8 (Storage & Distribution), E(g)(ii) (Research & Development), and E(g)(iii) (Mixed Employment floorspace) with ancillary offices, a new gate house, cycle hub, café, associated service yard areas, community amenity space, new substation, car parking and landscaping was approved subject to the recommended conditions, completion of S106 and S278…”

Minutes