Planning go-ahead for 850 new homes in West London, UK

Working with Mott MacDonald, Transport for London (TfL) has been given the go-ahead by Ealing Council to deliver more than 850 new homes by redeveloping an underutilised brownfield site by Bollo Lane in Acton. Mott MacDonald provided all engineering design and specialist environmental services to support the planning application.

Located alongside the Piccadilly and District Railway line, Bollo Lane is one of the largest sites in TfL’s extensive portfolio of property development opportunities. The redevelopment will see the introduction of a series of buildings, ranging between four to 25 storeys in height, providing more than 850 new homes, of which 50 per cent will be affordable. It will also deliver new public realm enhancements, linking Acton Town Station and Chiswick Park, including green corridors and improved pedestrian routes throughout. The vast site will also provide more than 2,300 sqm of commercial space, which could be used as maker-space by local businesses. Combined with the additional retail space that is included as part of the plans, the development will also contribute to and help stimulate the local economy.

Jonathan Cornelius, head of property development at TfL, said: “It is fantastic news to get the go ahead for our plans at Bollo Lane in Acton Town. The proposals have been designed to reflect the area’s heritage and context, such as the Grade II-listed station next to it and will bring hundreds of much-needed homes to this part of London.

“The scheme has also been designed to benefit the local community with welcoming green spaces, improvements to pedestrian and cycling facilities and new commercial opportunities for local businesses. Securing this latest green light at planning committee is an important milestone as it is the largest site on which we have secured planning ourselves.”

Mott MacDonald has been involved in the project since 2017 where it supported initial high-level feasibility and viability studies. In 2019, the consultancy was then appointed to provide all engineering and specialist environmental planning support services. The design has been delivered to meet the targets of the emerging draft London Plan and achieves a 65 per cent improvement on building regulations carbon reduction requirements. A best practice approach to maintaining and improving biodiversity has been adopted, along with the provision of public amenity spaces and infrastructure. Together these will promote a healthier and more inclusive neighbourhood, where residents and local communities are encouraged to walk, cycle and use public transport.

Jonathan Todd, Mott MacDonald’s account leader for TfL Commercial and Property Development said: “Placemaking has been a key focus of the whole project team – to deliver a really high-quality scheme for TfL, and ultimately for the wider community in Acton. Working closely with HOK Architects, we’ve brought together our buildings design and transport engineering expertise, as well our environmental and sustainability know-how to ensure the development opportunities on this constrained site are optimised and deliver significant positive social outcomes.”

Mott MacDonald continues to work closely with TfL, so that it can build high-quality homes across the city, with a strong focus on health and wellbeing, inclusivity and sustainable development.