The Planning Committee of Ealing Council met on Wednesday 21 October 2026 to discuss a planning application for Unit 3 Greenford Park and national planning reforms. The committee considered a planning application for the redevelopment of Unit 3 Greenford Park, subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement. They also received an overview of the operational arrangements for the new National Scheme of Delegation, which was due to come into effect on 31 October 2026.

Planning Application - Unit 3 Greenford Park, Auriol Drive, Greenford

The committee considered a planning application for the demolition and redevelopment of Unit 3 Greenford Park, Auriol Drive, Greenford UB6 0TP, to provide two warehouse buildings with ancillary office floorspace. The proposal, which includes a total of six units, will increase the industrial floorspace on the 2.8-hectare site from 10,463 sqm to 18,043 sqm.

During the discussion, councillors raised questions regarding the reduction in parking spaces from approximately 150 to 75, despite the increase in floor space. Officers explained that the reduction was justified by the site's low Public Transport Accessibility Level (PTAL) of 1b, the provision of extensive cycle parking, and measures to promote active travel. They stated that a Transport Assessment had predicted fewer vehicle movements than the existing lawful use, and that a Parking Management Plan would be secured by condition.

Concerns were also raised about potential congestion on Auriol Drive and Oldfield Lane North. The committee was assured that financial contributions had been secured for transport improvements, including a new zebra crossing on Oldfield Lane North. The proposal also includes 30 EV charging points and 68 cycle parking spaces.

The development will achieve a zero-carbon target on-site through energy efficiency measures and the installation of 1,516 roof-mounted solar panels. It will also deliver a Biodiversity Net Gain of 51.49%, exceeding the statutory 10% requirement. Financial contributions totalling £730,102 have been secured through a Section 106 agreement for various improvements, including active travel, air quality, affordable workspace, and tree planting. The officers recommended granting planning permission, subject to conditions and the completion of a Section 106 agreement.

National Planning Reforms – National Scheme of Delegation and Operational Arrangements

Alex Jackson, Head of Development Management, presented an overview of the national planning reforms, which introduced a mandatory National Scheme of Delegation from 31 October 2026. These reforms aim to create greater national consistency in how planning applications are determined, with a focus on officers determining routine applications and committees considering those with significant local or planning issues.

The new regulations divide applications into two schedules. Schedule 1 applications must be determined by officers, including householder applications and minor commercial developments. Schedule 2 applications are presumed to be determined by officers but may be referred to the Planning Committee if they meet specific statutory Gateway criteria and if both the nominated officer and nominated member agree that referral is justified. This new process replaces existing local call-in and referral triggers.

Councillor Dee Martin, Chair of the Planning Committee, noted that the council's committee size of nine members already complied with the national limit of 13. Councillors discussed the implications for council-owned land applications and the potential impact on public trust, particularly where developments might be approved under delegated powers despite community opposition. Officers assured the committee that the new arrangements would be transparent and that members could still identify significant issues and request Gateway assessments. The committee received the information presented regarding the national planning reforms.