Nick Boles, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Planning, has confirmed the decision of Hounslow Council Planning Committee and the Greater London Authority (GLA) to grant planning permission for Brentford Football Club’s new stadium planning application.
The Club can proceed to develop a 20,000 capacity stadium at Lionel Road South together with other community facilities, and 910 new homes, a hotel and supporting retail uses subject to the conclusion of a Section 106 Agreement.
The application was referred to the Secretary of State’s office after English Heritage objected to the application due to their perceived impact of the proposals on nearby heritage assets.
After carefully reviewing the information provided to him by his case officers, the GLA, Hounslow Council as well as various representations sent to him by supporters and opponents of the scheme, the Planning Minister confirmed the decision.
The Minister saw the wide ranging benefits these proposals would bring to Hounslow and London including 910 new homes on a brownfield site.
This major development will transform an unsightly, industrial, brownfield site to provide a community stadium together with new homes, public transport improvements and enhancements to the public realm.
The development will bring a great deal of new business and job and training opportunities for local people.
Commenting on the Planning Minister’s decision, Cliff Crown, Brentford FC Chairman, said: “Nick Boles’ confirmation of the decision of the GLA and Hounslow Council is great news.
“Our vision of an exciting new hub at this brownfield site has taken another major step forward.
“We would like to express appreciation to the Minister and his case officers for their support and recognising the significant benefits this development will bring.
“We firmly believe this is a once in a generation chance to create a vibrant new stadium that will add to the buzz that is going on around Brentford.
“As we said this week at the annual international property event MIPIM, Brentford is on the up as a destination, with new homes, retail, sports and leisure facilities which bring new jobs and vibrancy to the area.
“As a result of the decisions made by local, regional and national public bodies, Brentford Football Club will be returning close to where it was founded in 1889.
“We are proud of our history at Griffin Park, where we have always been a good neighbour.
“In planning for our new home, we look forward to building on our positive relationship with local residents and businesses and also our new neighbours in Chiswick and Kew.
“By working together we believe we can make the most of the new opportunities for the benefit of everyone.
“Although there is still work to be done, we are delighted to have received the support from the Minister and his Department and are looking forward to moving the project forward”.