The Planning Committee of Hounslow Council met on Thursday, 5 March 2026, to discuss several significant planning applications. The meeting's agenda included proposals for the redevelopment of 980 Great West Road (formerly GSK headquarters) and the Central Park Estate, alongside other planning matters. The committee was provided with detailed reports and was scheduled to consider public speakers and declarations of interest before moving to decisions on the applications.

980 Great West Road (GSK Site)

The committee was scheduled to consider a hybrid planning application for the partial demolition and phased redevelopment of the former GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) global headquarters. This 5.6-hectare site, located within the Great West Corridor Opportunity Area, was allocated for comprehensive mixed-use intensification, including housing, employment, creative enterprise uses, and new public realm. The application proposed a residential-led neighbourhood with a mix of homes, purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), and co-living units. It also included flexible commercial and community floorspace, employment and education floorspace, and a site-wide Energy Centre.

Key aspects of the proposal included:

• Housing: 1,522 new residential homes (Class C3), 506 PBSA rooms, and 296 co-living units. The development aimed to deliver 20% affordable housing across the site, comprising London Affordable Rent and Intermediate tenures, with affordable rent delivery front-loaded.
• Public Realm: Approximately 1.49 hectares of new publicly accessible open space within the Detailed Element, along with further open and public spaces in the Outline application areas. Five primary public realm zones were proposed: Gateway, Boston Place, The Lane, The Underside, and The Riverside.
• Tall Buildings: The scheme included tall buildings up to 26 storeys (110.45m AOD), with the tallest element, Block H, being an adaptive reuse of the former GSK headquarters. The placement of taller blocks was coordinated with the masterplan, marking key gateways and public realm corridors.
• Sustainability: The proposal aimed for a 64% reduction in regulated carbon, with net zero achieved via an offset contribution. It also focused on whole-life carbon reduction through basement retention and material reuse, and aimed for over 10% Biodiversity Net Gain.
• Heritage Impacts: Historic England and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Gardens (WHS) identified less than substantial harm to the setting of significant heritage assets, including Kew Gardens WHS, Syon Park, and Boston Manor House. This harm was to be weighed against substantial public benefits.
• Transport: A car-lite strategy was proposed, with limited car parking and extensive cycle parking. Servicing and delivery arrangements were to be basement-led, reducing surface-level vehicular movement.

The report indicated that the application was recommended for approval, subject to conditions and the completion of Section 106 and Section 278 Agreements, and referral to the Mayor of London and the Secretary of State.

Central Park Estate, Staines Road

The committee was also scheduled to consider a proposal for the erection of four commercial units of mixed uses (B2, B8, E(g)(ii), and E(g)(iii)) with ancillary offices, a new gate house, cycle hub, café, service yards, community amenity space, substation, car parking, and landscaping. This development, totalling 17,498 sqm GEA, was proposed for a 4.14-hectare site at the junction of Staines Road and Green Lane.

Key aspects of this application included:

• Use Classes: The units were designated for General Industrial (B2), Storage & Distribution (B8), Research & Development (E(g)(ii)), and Mixed Employment floorspace (E(g)(iii)).
• Location: The site was identified as a Locally Significant Industrial Site (LSIS) in the emerging Local Plan and falls within the Heathrow Opportunity Area. A significant portion of the site lies within the Metropolitan Green Belt, but was considered grey belt land under the NPPF 2024, meaning development would not be inappropriate if certain tests were met.
• Employment: The development was estimated to generate 131 construction jobs and 254 operational jobs, with a commitment to affordable workspace contributions and job brokerage services.
• Sustainability: The scheme aimed for high sustainability standards, targeting BREEAM 'Outstanding' and EPC A+, with over 100% on-site carbon savings.
• Transport: Contributions were sought for active travel initiatives and bus service improvements to enhance connectivity.
• Green Belt: The proposal was considered to meet the NPPF's tests for development on grey belt land, not fundamentally undermining Green Belt purposes and addressing unmet need in a sustainable location.

The application was recommended for approval, subject to conditions, Section 106 and Section 278 agreements, and referrals to the GLA and the Secretary of State.

Other Planning Matters

The agenda also included the minutes of the previous meeting on 5 February 2026, and a protocol for speakers. The committee was also informed about the possibility of an addendum report being produced before the meeting.

The meeting was scheduled to be held in public and accessible via the Council's YouTube Channel. Councillors were reminded of their duty to declare interests.