The Ealing Council Planning Committee is scheduled to consider two significant planning applications at its upcoming meeting. These include a proposal for the redevelopment of Smiths Farm in Northolt and a new industrial development at Great Western Industrial Park in Southall.

Smiths Farm, Northolt: Variation to Approved Residential Development

The committee is scheduled to review a proposal for a minor material amendment to an existing planning permission at Smiths Farm, Northolt¹. The original permission, granted in July 2024, allowed for the construction of seven residential buildings providing 220 homes, the conversion of existing farmhouse and barns to commercial use, and improved public access. This current application seeks to vary condition 3 of that permission, specifically amending the heights of approved residential blocks.

The proposed changes involve a redistribution of building heights. Two elements of the approved scheme would decrease in height by one storey, while two other elements would increase by one storey. The maximum height of the development would reduce from seven storeys to six storeys. These amendments are reportedly necessary to support the detailed fire safety design of the development and would ensure that no High-Risk Buildings, as defined under the Building Safety regime, are included. The proposal would not increase the number of homes, alter the approved layout, reduce affordable housing provision, or materially affect landscaping and public realm strategies. An updated daylight and sunlight assessment indicates that the proposed amendments would improve internal daylight compliance.

Unit 2, Great Western Industrial Park, Southall: New Industrial Development

A significant proposal for the demolition of existing buildings and the construction of two new industrial buildings at Unit 2, Great Western Industrial Park, Southall², is also scheduled for discussion. The development would provide five flexible units for general industrial (Class B2), storage and distribution (Class B8), and light industrial (Class E(g)(iii)) uses, with ancillary office accommodation. The scheme includes associated service yards, access points, car parking, and landscaping.

The site is designated as a Strategic Industrial Location (SIL) within the Great Western Industrial Estate. The proposal aims to deliver approximately 5,057 square metres of modern industrial floorspace, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and contributing to the continued industrial function of the area. While the total industrial floorspace would see a modest reduction compared to the existing building, the development is intended to optimise operational functionality through improved servicing, circulation, and modern accommodation. The plan includes 46 car parking spaces, with 41 electric vehicle charging points, and 32 cycle parking spaces. The development is designed to be zero-carbon and is expected to deliver a Biodiversity Net Gain of over 21%. Financial contributions towards active travel improvements, air quality monitoring, and employment and skills initiatives are also proposed as part of a Section 106 agreement.