Ealing Council has appointed architect-developer Oddment to draw up plans for four family-sized homes on a council-owned plot in Southall.
The Recreation Road site is currently occupied by derelict garages. Any homes can only go ahead if the scheme secures planning permission, and Oddment says it will speak to nearby residents before submitting proposals.
Recreation Road site details
| Detail | Current position |
|---|---|
| Location | Recreation Road, Southall |
| Land status | Council-owned land currently used by derelict garages |
| Proposed use | Four family-sized homes |
| Developer appointed | Oddment |
| Approval still needed | Planning permission |
The project sits within Ealing Council’s push to make better use of small, underused plots across the borough. These are the kinds of sites that can be too small or awkward for larger housebuilders, but still suitable for modest housing schemes.
Planning permission has not yet been granted
The council has described the Recreation Road land as suitable for redevelopment, but the scheme remains at an early stage. Oddment is expected to consult local residents before seeking planning permission.
That means neighbours should still have an opportunity to see the proposals, raise concerns and comment through the planning process once an application is submitted.
Small builders form part of Ealing’s housing push
The appointment is linked to the Mayor of London’s Small Sites, Small Builders programme, which is designed to give small and medium-sized developers more chances to work on public land and overlooked urban plots.
Ealing Council says smaller firms currently make up about 12% of the development market, but can play a role in delivering homes on sites larger companies may not pursue.
Council leader Peter Mason said working with developers such as Oddment could support local jobs while bringing forgotten land back into use. Councillor Louise Brett, deputy leader and cabinet member for safe and genuinely affordable homes, said unlocking small sites such as Recreation Road forms part of the borough’s response to the housing crisis.
For wider context on local planning coverage, see our report on Southall housing plans.
Oddment plans resident outreach before submission
Oddment was established in 2024 by Ned Scott and Alex Somerville. The company says it wants to create design-led homes rooted in their surroundings, and Somerville has a personal connection to the borough after growing up in Ealing.
Somerville said the team plans to begin engagement through flyers and neighbour visits before the planning stage, so residents can help shape the proposals.
Further small sites elsewhere in Ealing are expected to be put out to tender for development later this year, supported through the Small Sites, Small Builders project and a Greater London Authority grant.
Source: Ealing Council
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This article was prepared from Ealing Council's published update and checked for the site, developer, planning status and named public officials.
- Confirmed the proposed site as Recreation Road in Southall.
- Checked that the proposal is for four family-sized homes, subject to planning permission.
- Identified Oddment as the appointed architect-developer.
- Separated confirmed council plans from steps that still require consultation and approval.
- Source
- Ealing Council
- Scope
- Ealing
- Updated
- 2026-06-04 17:35
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