The Syon Lane Homebase and Tesco development planning proposals have been called-in by the Secretary of State Michael Gove, meaning the application is now referred to him for decision.

The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has written advising that he has decided to call-in both applications.

This means they shall now be referred to him for decision-making instead of being dealt with locally by the London Borough of Hounslow.

He will also hold a local inquiry - 'to consider all the relevant aspects of the proposed development'.

It comes in response to the planning applications for the development of the Homebase and Tesco sites in Syon Lane, Isleworth into residential units.

Osterley and Spring Grove Ward Labour Councillors as well as Conservative election candidates and residents had written to the Housing Secretary Michael Gove in September to request he use his powers to call-in the development proposals for review.

This came after the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan approved the Tesco and Homebase proposals, to the disappointment of Osterley & Wyke Green Residents' Association (OWGRA) who have campaigned against the development and raised concerns about its impact on the local community.

The Secretary of State has ordered a local inquiry with arrangements to be made by the Planning Inspectorate in Bristol. 

In a letter signed on behalf of the Secretary of State it states he particularly wishes to be informed about:

-the extent to which the proposed development is consistent with Government policies for conserving and enhancing the area's historic environment

- any other matters the Inspector considers relevant.

The full planning application by St Edward Homes Limited is for the demolition of the existing building and car park at Homebase and Tesco to build residential units, a replacement retail foodstore, with additional commercial, business and service space, a flexible community space, and ancillary plant, access, servicing and car parking, landscaping and associated works.

OWGRA have said the development is not appropriate for the area and will lead to overdevelopment, with the proposed 17-storey tower blocks 'dominant and out of character'.

They want to see 'developments that provide housing that fits in with the area and will ensure that future occupants have access to adequate infrastructure as required by planning guidelines.'

Nick Rogers, Conservative London Assembly Member of South West London said: "I am delighted that the Secretary of State has called-in Hounslow Labour's disastrous decision to ignore the concerns of local residents and approve these plans.

"I've been working with community groups such as OWGRA to raise awareness of the flaws in the proposals put forward for the area, which were in total contrast to the character of Osterley as well as failing to offer the affordable family housing units that our city desperately needs."

A local inquiry will be held on a date to be arranged.