Imperial College London's "Imperial West" campus approved

It is planned that the 7.5 acres site, formerly the BBC's Wood Lane studios, will include a new academic campus, commercial buildings and new residential space surrounding a new London Square.

The approved plans include a masterplan for a 946,147 square feet development, along with a detailed application for the second phase of the development. 

The detailed application proposed three buildings, including a nine storey, 240,000 sq ft academic building, a 230,000 sq ft building for office and research units in a part six- and part 12-storey block and a 35-storey residential tower including 192 apartments, 59 of which would be made available for key workers.

The outline planning application included proposals for three additional buildings comprising a 13-storey, 150,000 sq ft hotel and two further buildings to be used for education, office and administrative purposes. 

"The proposed development would contribute to the regeneration of the area, improve education and employment opportunities, and promote sustainable economic growth," the report to the planning committee said (208-Pages / 1.78 MB PDF). "The relatively small size and location of the proposed retail floorspace is considered not to compromise the vitality or viability of surrounding centres."

"The proposed development would contribute towards providing much needed additional housing in accordance with London Plan Policies and would help the borough meet its housing targets in accordance with London Plan," the report said.

The development would be located within the White City Opportunity Area, which is subject to a special planning framework used to guide development within the Opportunity Area. It is taken into account in determining planning applications.

"Imperial’s presence in the area along with research and development teams from the BBC creates a strong foundation for high-tech media and creative industries," the White City Opportunity Area Planning Framework states.