UPDATE WITH GLA LINK: 885 units in towers up to 29 storey high in Alperton approved by Brent Council Planning Committee. Randall Avenue application pulled.

 

The crowded Atlip access road car park yesterday - 885 homes to come on the site

The application to build  885 housing units on the Atlip Centre site, Alperton, was approved yesterday as expected, despite opposition. The development will consist of 2, 8,10, 20, 23 and 29 storey buildings on a relatively small site. Planning officers recommended approval.

Unusually a long-time Alperton resident spoke in support describing the run-down nature of the site and the opportunities provided by a creative zone as well as the need for housing. Newly elected Liberal Democrat councillor Charlie Clinton spoke against with concerns about over-crowding of the area due to the density of the proposal and concern that assumptions about a car-free development were not realistic given the size of the project in terms of housing and commercial units.

There was a long discussion on the Committee with issues around failure to meet affordable housing targets and the affect of loss of daylight to neighbouring properties (deemed tolerable by planning officers as weighed against the benefits of the scheme), and of course parking - quite a issue on Ealing Road at the best of times.

There was concern about the loss of the Clay Oven Banqueting Hall with the developer claiming that there was no interest in continuing the facility from present and potential businesses. They conceded that there was a possibility of someone applying to run a similar business from one of the commercial units or facilities at the proposed community centre.

The loss of the current gym on the site was also a concern and there was discussion about using revenue from the development for the provision of an outdoor gym. 

Assurances were sought that the co-living units would not be used as student accommodation. Comparisons were made with HMOs but the developer insisted that they were an alternative to one bedroomed flats for young people and had additional shared facilities compared with HMOs. They would be professionally run.

Eventually the application was approved unanimously by the Committee.

UPDATE: The application now goes to the GLA for Stage 2 consideration and residents can make a comment on their website. Register for updates and to make a comment here HERE.

At the beginning of the meeting the controversial Randall Avenue, Dollis Hill, application was withdrawn from the agenda on officers' recommendation as discrepancies in the drawings for the development had been found. I understand that legal issues were also raised. The decision was made against the background of changes in  planning staff dealing with the application.

 

Brent Officers recommend approve of Atlip Centre, Alperton, development of 885 homes in units up to 29 storeys high

 Brent planning officers have recommended  LINK that the Planning Committee approve the Atlip Centre/2 Atlip Road  development at its meeting on Wednesday 12th March.

The application is for 464 resident units on the site near Alperton Station and 421 co-living places.

They will be housed in 2, 8, 10, 20,  23 and 29 storey structures with a single storey workspace and some commercial units.

 145 people have signed a petition opposing the development but only 27 have lodged an objection on the Brent Council planning portal. There are also 3 neutral comments (including an Alperton councillor - not identified by name). No comments in favour have been lodged.

It was quite a task for anyone interested to read all 355 documents on the Council website. 

Approval will be subject to referral to the Mayor of London.

 

The petition:

 

A petition has been lodged at Brent Council to stop the approval of another mega-development at Atlip Road in central Alperton. The campaigners have put forward the following reasons against the proposal.

1. Loss of Light – The development’s height (up to 30 storeys) will cause severe overshadowing, reducing natural light to nearby homes, including Bigler Court and Dawson Court, contrary to BRE guidelines. Reduced daylight can lead to health impacts such as vitamin D deficiency, especially for brown and black residents at higher risk.

2. Overcrowding – The proposal includes 885 residential units, adding excessive strain on already stretched local services, including GP surgeries like Stanley Corner Medical Centre, schools, and public transport.

3. Parking and Traffic – The limited parking spaces will lead to increased congestion on surrounding roads, creating parking difficulties and worsening air pollution.

4. Noise Pollution – Construction noise will cause major disruption, particularly for those working from home or resting at home. Long-term noise from communal spaces will also impact residents’ quality of life and stress pets.

5. Loss of Facilities – The proposed demolition of the existing gym will force residents to travel 30–45 minutes on foot to the nearest affordable alternative, making fitness routines less accessible and harming physical well-being.

6. Flood Risks – Existing flood risks on Atlip Road, with depths up to 600mm, will be worsened by the development. New drainage systems offer no guaranteed protection against surface water flooding.

7. Air Quality – Construction dust and emissions pose health risks, especially for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions, while long-term increases in traffic will reduce air quality further.

8. Privacy and Child Safety – Flats will overlook nearby homes, including Bigler Court, and Alperton Community School’s playground, raising safeguarding concerns for children.

The petition can be signed HERE.