Ealing Council Approves Dolphin Living’s Mount Close Regeneration

Key Points

• Ealing Council Planning Committee has unanimously approved the regeneration of the Mount Close Estate near Ealing Broadway.
• The redevelopment project is led by Dolphin Living, aiming to transform the 1950s estate into a modern mixed-tenure Build-to-Rent community.
• The plan includes increasing the number of homes from 40 to 178, including 138 additional dwellings and refurbishment of 29 existing homes.
• 50% of new homes will be offered at discounted market rents, supporting affordable housing for working Londoners.
• The design features buildings from four to six storeys with taller constructions along Castlebar Road.
• Extensive sustainability measures include a 79.33% reduction in CO₂ emissions, with renewable energy technologies such as PV panels and heat pumps.
• The scheme includes public realm enhancements: new community squares, communal gardens, play areas, secure cycle storage, EV charging points, and landscaping with 68 new trees.
• The refurbishment will include mechanical ventilation, efficient heating and cooling, improved insulation, modern kitchens and bathrooms, and low-energy LED lighting.
• All existing residents who pay discounted rent will be offered new or refurbished homes upon project completion.
• The project retained 70% of existing homes to reduce embodied carbon, aiming for EPC B and BREEAM Excellent energy performance.
• The development aligns with London Plan’s Fast Track Route for affordable housing and includes a Section 106 agreement securing 65 affordable homes.​

What is the Mount Close Estate regeneration project?

The Mount Close Estate regeneration project, led by Dolphin Living, is a comprehensive refurbishment and expansion initiative designed to modernise and significantly increase housing delivery on the estate near Ealing Broadway. Originally built in the 1950s, the estate currently comprises 40 homes, which Dolphin Living acquired in 2016.

The redevelopment proposes a total of 178 homes by adding 138 new dwellings while refurbishing 29 existing ones. This will transform the estate into a mixed-tenure Build-to-Rent community, prominently featuring affordable housing for working Londoners. The existing 29 homes will be upgraded with modernised amenities and energy-efficient systems, while new buildings ranging from four to six storeys will be introduced, along with taller buildings near Castlebar Road.​

Who supports and benefits from the redevelopment?

The planning application received unanimous support from the Ealing Council Planning Committee, highlighting strong local endorsement. The project involved extensive consultation with existing residents, who remain central to the development strategy.

Dolphin Living’s chief executive, Olivia Harris, emphasised the commitment to affordable housing, stating, “Providing affordable housing for working Londoners is at the core of Dolphin Living’s purpose… those living on the estate are central to our plans and we have taken on their feedback in creating our vision for the future of the estate”.​

All residents currently living on the estate, particularly those who were there when Dolphin Living purchased the homes, and who currently pay discounted rents, will be offered the opportunity to move into a new or refurbished home on the estate once works are complete. This provision ensures community continuity alongside expansion.​

How does the design approach address sustainability and energy efficiency?

Sustainability is a pivotal aspect of the Mount Close regeneration plan. By retaining 70% of existing homes, the project reduces embodied carbon by 19% compared to a full redevelopment, supporting environmental objectives. New homes and refurbishments are designed to meet EPC B energy efficiency standards and achieve BREEAM Excellent ratings — a benchmark for sustainability in buildings.

Energy-efficient technologies, including photovoltaic (PV) solar panels and exhaust-air source heat pumps, are integrated to reduce the carbon footprint. This portfolio of renewable energy solutions leads to a substantial 79.33% CO₂ emissions reduction across the estate. The development also plans a £97,782 carbon offset payment to further mitigate environmental impacts.​

All homes will be all-electric, utilising heat pump technology for heating and cooling to maximise efficiency and reduce emissions. Improvements in fabric-first building techniques, alongside enhanced insulation, modern mechanical ventilation, and low-energy LED lighting, contribute to the estate’s sustainability goals.​

What communal and public realm enhancements are included?

The regeneration will deliver significant improvements to the public realm and landscaping, creating a welcoming, vibrant neighbourhood. Plans include two new community squares, two communal gardens, and informal ‘play on the way’ spaces aimed at supporting families and children.

To promote greener living, the estate will gain 68 new trees alongside the retention of the majority of existing mature trees. Security and convenience will improve with enhanced lighting, secure cycle storage, refuse handling areas, and electric vehicle charging points. Parking provisions include spaces for original residents, maintaining their accessibility.​

What are the refurbishment details for existing homes?

The refurbishment package for 29 existing homes features a comprehensive upgrade to improve living standards and energy efficiency. This includes the installation of new windows and doors, mechanical ventilation systems, efficient heating and cooling, improved insulation, modern kitchens and bathrooms, and environmentally friendly low-energy LED lighting.

These upgrades ensure that the retained homes meet modern standards for comfort and sustainability, enhancing the overall quality of life for residents while aligning with the project’s environmental commitments.​

How does this project align with affordable housing policies?

The redevelopment scheme aligns closely with the London Plan’s Fast Track Route for affordable housing. Of the 138 additional homes created, 50% are designated as affordable by habitable room and will be offered at discounted market rents. This aligns with Dolphin Living’s mission to support working Londoners in accessing affordable housing.

A Section 106 planning agreement will secure 65 affordable homes, ensuring long-term affordability and policy compliance. This level of affordable housing represents a significant contribution to local housing needs, addressing both current residents’ and wider community demands.​

What is the timeline and future outlook for the project?

As of mid-2025, the planning application for Mount Close’s regeneration was submitted following extensive resident consultations and received unanimous approval from Ealing Council Planning Committee. The project has moved into detailed design and preparatory phases.

Dolphin Living continues to engage with residents and the London Borough of Ealing to progress delivery. With construction planned to start in coming years, current residents can expect offers for new or refurbished homes, sustainable living environments, and enhanced community facilities upon completion.

The regeneration embodies a vision for sustainable urban living, combining modern design, environmental responsibility, and social inclusion to reshape Mount Close as a vibrant and affordable neighbourhood for present and future residents.