The Planning Committee of Ealing Council met on Wednesday 15 July 2026 to consider a significant planning application for the redevelopment of the former Honey Monster Food Factory site in Southall. The meeting's agenda also included the consideration of minutes from a previous meeting and details of a site visit.

Planning Application - Former Honey Monster Food Factory, Southall

The primary item scheduled for discussion was the planning application (reference 253874FUL) for the redevelopment of the former Honey Monster Food Factory site at Southall, UB2 4AE. The proposal involved the redevelopment of the site to provide a hyperscale data centre (Sui Generis use class) with ancillary offices, affordable workspace including a training centre and ancillary amenities (Use Class E), a substation, access, parking, landscaping, and associated infrastructure.

The report pack indicated that the application was recommended for approval, subject to conditions and the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement. The proposed development was described as making effective use of previously developed land and contributing to the provision of critical digital infrastructure. Significant weight was to be afforded to the identified need for data centres at both a London and national level. The inclusion of affordable workspace and a training centre was noted as providing additional employment opportunities and supporting local economic growth.

The report detailed substantial economic benefits, including job creation, skills and training outcomes, and wider supply chain benefits. A comprehensive package of Section 106 obligations was outlined, including financial contributions totalling £9,854,706, in addition to an anticipated Ealing Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) contribution of £7,904,250, resulting in a combined contribution of £17,758,956. Key financial contributions included over £2 million towards transport improvements, over £5 million towards carbon offsetting, over £1 million towards air quality improvements, and £1 million towards employment and skills initiatives.

Non-financial obligations were also detailed, including the provision of 3,555 sqm of affordable workspace (either on-site or off-site, or a payment in lieu), a 110 sqm training centre, and various other measures related to public access, sustainable transport, and energy. The scale, massing, and design of the development were considered appropriate for the location, with no harm identified to heritage assets. The proposals included significant public realm enhancements, improved connectivity, and integration with the surrounding canal and green corridor network. Transport impacts were deemed acceptable, with trip generation significantly lower than previous uses of the site, and mitigation secured through financial contributions and planning conditions. Environmental impacts, including air quality, neighbouring amenity, biodiversity, and flood risk, were considered acceptable subject to conditions and obligations. The development was expected to deliver biodiversity net gain and a high standard of sustainable design, including significant reductions in carbon emissions.

The report pack also included a detailed assessment of the proposal against various planning considerations, including the principle of development, affordable workspace, employment and skills, design and local character, crime prevention, fire safety, heritage impacts, transport and highway impacts, energy and sustainability, impacts on neighbouring amenity, biodiversity and ecology, air quality, flooding and sustainable drainage, land contamination, and wind microclimate. Numerous conditions and informatives were listed, covering aspects such as time limits for development, approved drawings, materials, landscaping, green roofs, ecology, construction management, noise and vibration control, air quality emissions, and flood risk management.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

The committee was scheduled to consider the minutes of the previous Planning Committee meeting held on 17 June 2026.

Site Visit Attendance

Details of site visit attendance were to be shared.