Ealing Council is continuing its work to increase the supply of much-needed housing in the borough by making better use of small, underused sites.
In Southall, an architect-developer has been appointed to transform a plot of council-owned land on Recreation Road, currently home to derelict garages, into new family housing. Subject to planning permission, the site is expected to provide 4 family-sized homes.
The appointment of Oddment reflects the council’s commitment to supporting small local businesses, as well as the aims of the Mayor of London’s Small Sites, Small Builders (SSSB) programme, which is designed to open up opportunities for small and medium‑sized developers. Although they currently make up just 12% of the market, these smaller companies play an essential role in delivering high‑quality homes on sites that larger firms often overlook.
Council leader Peter Mason said: “By working with developers like Oddment, we are helping to support local jobs while revitalising small, often forgotten plots of land to build the homes our residents want. This project is a great example of the way we can marshal our resources to build a fairer economy.”
From car space to living space
The Recreation Road site has long been identified as suitable for redevelopment.
Councillor Louise Brett, the council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for safe and genuinely affordable homes, said: “Unlocking small sites like Recreation Road is part of our plan to tackle the deepening housing crisis in our borough. By converting underused land like this into family homes, we’re creating much needed new homes while supporting local small and medium-sized builders.
“This development is a great example of how our partnerships are delivering homes that meet the needs of our communities, and we are excited to be looking at the potential of more small sites across the borough in the near future.”
‘Design-led, characterful homes’
Oddment was established in 2024 by Ned Scott and Alex Somerville.
The team have strong ties to the borough. Alex Somerville, Oddment’s co-founding director, grew up here, and has also worked on other projects based in the borough in the past.
Alex said: “We’re absolutely thrilled by this opportunity. The project perfectly captures what Oddment is all about – design-led, characterful homes that feel rooted in their surroundings. It’s another chance for us to turn a small site into something special. And for me having grown up in Ealing, it’s especially meaningful to be creating new homes in the borough.”
What’s next?
Oddment has plans to consult with local residents before it seeks planning permission on its proposals.
Alex added: “We’re taking a proactive and welcoming approach to engagement, beginning with outreach to local residents through flyers and neighbour visits, so we can listen, learn, and shape the project together.”
The Recreation Road project is part of the council’s wider effort to make better use of smaller, underused plots of land by building new homes on them. Through the SSSB project, and supported by a Greater London Authority grant, the council is helping to unlock these types of sites across the borough.
Further small sites elsewhere in the borough are due to put out to tender for development later this year.
