Future of Beechams site provokes great interest

New development could see 1000 residential units

The consultation by Barratt's Homes into the future of the old Beecham's site has proved very popular with local residents and businesses.

The developers took possession of the former office and factory complex earlier this year. At 12 acres the site is one of the largest to have come up for development. As a former employment site, it is unlikely that permission would be given for the site to contain solely housing. Even so, the final development is likely to contain close to 1000 units. As part of the exhibition, visitors were asked to say what they would like the site to contain. Responses included suggestions that the site contain a church, pubs, shops, restaurants and a leisure centre. Car parking was a great concern, especially as the site currently hosts the overflow car park for the new Glaxo headquarters.

The site presents a challenge to the developers. At present the main entrance is on the busy A4, and it is thought that the main entrance of any new development would be placed on Ealing Road. To further complicate matters the 1936 Wallis House is a listed building and discussions are ongoing with English Heritage as to how much of the building will have to be preserved. It is not yet known how many original features are left in the Art Deco structure.

As part of any new development, Barratt's will have to pay a considerable amount of 'Section 106', or planning gain, money. How this should be spent - on school places, public transport provision etc - is also up for debate.

Barratt's plan to hold meetings with residents groups and other organisations in order to further guage local opinion before submitting an outline plan in April. www.BrentfordTW8.com will keep you informed on these meetings.

5 Dec 2003

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