Hounslow Council approves 111 homes on Isleworth site with no affordable units
Council vote passes demolition of Wireless Factory blocks despite a £2.794 million developer deficit and a £400,000 parking‑zone contribution
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On 29 July 2026 Hounslow Council granted planning permission for the third phase of the Wireless Factory redevelopment in Isleworth. The approval covers demolition of Units 1‑4 and 7‑8, formerly part of the Victory Business Centre, and the construction of a six‑storey block and a mixed‑height block containing a total of 111 new flats.
The new homes will be split into 47 one‑bedroom, 53 two‑bedroom and 11 three‑bedroom units. No four‑bedroom family homes are included, despite council officers requesting them. The scheme also provides nine parking spaces, four of which are reserved for blue‑badge users.
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Affordable housing excluded
An independent viability review, cited by the Standard, concluded that the developer faces a £2.794 million shortfall. The review stated that inserting affordable units would render the project financially unviable. As a result, the Section 106 agreement does not obligate the developer to deliver any affordable homes.
“This is the third housing application where the answer is ‘no affordable housing’ because developers can’t afford it. Wool is being pulled over our eyes by the industry.”
Guy Lambert, Hounslow councillor, as reported by the Standard
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Councillor Tony Louki, Labour Chief Whip, criticised the omission of balconies and play equipment, saying developers were “getting off lightly”. He also noted the lack of affordable provision. Councillor Craig Owen abstained, while Councillor Lambert voted against the scheme.
Parking and traffic impact
Council officers estimate the development will generate an overspill of 59 cars onto surrounding streets. To mitigate this, the developer will contribute £400,000 toward a controlled parking zone covering the Worton Estate, as outlined in the planning documents.
The Wireless Factory site is classified as a locally significant industrial area, a designation that normally discourages residential use. Planning officers justified the loss of commercial space by noting that more than half of the site was vacant and under‑utilised.
The council’s decision now moves the project into the construction phase. The developer must submit detailed building plans and the controlled parking zone proposal before work can commence. Residents of the Worton Estate will be consulted on the parking scheme during the next public engagement period.
Questions this report answers
+What did Hounslow Council approve for the Wireless Factory site?
The council approved demolition of Units 1‑4 and 7‑8 and the construction of 111 new homes comprising one‑, two‑ and three‑bedroom flats. The decision was taken on 29 July 2026 after a council vote.
+How many affordable homes are included in the scheme?
The scheme includes zero affordable homes. An independent viability review found a £2.794 million deficit, meaning affordable units would make the development financially unviable, as reported by the Standard.
+What contribution is the developer making for parking?
The developer will provide £400,000 to fund a controlled parking zone on the Worton Estate. This aims to manage the estimated overspill of 59 cars onto nearby streets, according to council planning documents.
+What is the next step for the project?
The developer must submit detailed construction drawings and a controlled parking zone plan for council approval. A public consultation on the parking scheme will follow, after which building work can begin.
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