Developer Southern Grove claim ‘55 West’ — which would be Ealing’s tallest building — is a model of how developers can meet Sadiq Khan’s vision for the creation of new homes in the capital with a focus on fully-affordable, design-led schemes.

55 West will be a 26-storey tower at the junction of Manor Road, Argyle Road and Drayton Green directly next to West Ealing station where the new Crossrail/Elizabeth Line will call.

The application is expected to go to the planning committee for a decision by the end of November.

Andrew Southern, Chairman of developer Southern Grove, said: “We have chosen to begin looking at sites not just from a policy compliant view but with the belief that, given the scale of the problem, provision of affordable homes in design-led properties should be an aspiration rather than a chore.

“So it’s decision time for London. Are we serious about meeting housing need and creating genuinely desirable, affordable homes, or is it just something politicians are going to continue paying lip service to?

“In a city like London everyone must accept that building higher is the only way to generate the numbers of homes required. So if we’ve got to do it, let’s do it well.

“Planners should be looking at a much more long term horizon, embracing excellent design and discovering a renewed appetite for buildings that inspire rather than blot the landscape.

“The Mayor has spelled out that the housing emergency in London means that it is essential that good quality, affordable housing is built in high densities on top of London’s major transport nodes.

“This development answers that call, and should be the first of many. Affordability is still a huge problem in London, but the fact these apartments are all affordable is a huge win for key workers and households on low incomes.

“The costs and risks associated with structuring deals in these new and innovative ways. to increase the share of affordable housing, is what differentiates us from the big house builders who are land banking and stemming the tide of home creation to maximise profit.

“Planners need to meet those developers who innovate to create the greatest proportion of affordable homes half way.”