Developers in west London face a potential ban on new developments until 2035 because the electricity network in the area has hit capacity, the Financial Times (FT) reported on 28 July.
In a note seen by the FT, the Greater London Authority (GLA) is stated to have warned developers that it might take several years to increase grid capacity to allow new developments, including housing, commercial premises and industrial activities, in three West London boroughs: Hillingdon, Ealing and Hounslow.
According to the FT, GLA stated in its note that pressure on the grid in West London has been particularly acute because of the number of data centres built nearby in recent years.
SSEN and National Grid are reported to be working on upgrading their networks to cope with more electricity demand, but that work ‘could take years.’
According to Inside Housing, both Ealing and Hounslow councils have contacted the GLA to find out how the issue can be resolved as soon as possible.
The GLA did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the FT at the time of publication.
