Green Light Given to Massive Heidelberg Site Development
Borough planning committee waves through plan for 333 new homes
CGI of proposed scheme viewed from the south west. Picture: Fairview Homes
The borough planning committee has given its approval this Wednesday (28 September) to the proposal to build 333 housing units at the site formerly occupied by Heidelberg. The site is on the south side of Brentford High Street at the junction with Pump Alley.
The scheme, which remains subject to approval of the Mayor of London, will see the construction of four blocks ranging from 3 to 11 storeys with commercial space at the lower levels. It will also allow the opening up of the Thames Path on this section of the river.
The councillors on the committee were given a report by borough planners recommending they approve the application (P/2022/1142) by Fairview Homes for the demolition of the former Heidelberg offices at 69-76 High Street (TW8 0AA) and the construction of the new buildings which will stretch down to the waterfront.
47 objections made to the scheme included ones from Brentford Voice and Historic England were dismissed by planning officers. The planners argued in their report recommending approval that the proposal is highly sustainable, is in line with the local Development Plan and the ‘minimal harm’ it does to view from Kew Gardens is outweighed by the benefits it provides.
CGI of the development viewed from the east on the High Street. Picture: Fairview Homes
It is thought possible that the Mayor may insist on an increased proportion of affordable housing in the scheme before giving his approval. In the design approved by the council, affordable housing in the development is 35% by habitable room made up of 60% London Affordable Rent and 40% shared ownership, although the applicant states that this is dependent on grant funding.
As a former industrial site, the affordable housing threshold is 50% according to GLA officers commenting on the development who say they will not be giving any weight to vacant building credit for the site.
This proposal would generate Community Infrastructure Levy income of £2,742,520 for Hounslow Council and £1,495,920 for the Mayor of London.
Fairview hope to start work towards the end of this year and complete the project in Summer 2026.
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September 30, 2022
