First volumetric scheme gets gateway 2 approval

[edit] First volumetric scheme gets Gateway 2 approval

A 23-storey student accommodation block being built using MMC has been given Gateway 2 approval by the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).

Volumetric developer Tide Construction first submitted its application for 13-19 The Green in Southall, Ealing, in mid-March and received approval in October 2025. It is the UK’s first volumetric scheme to have achieved Gateway 2 approval.

[edit] 13-19 The Green

Tide appointed Formation Architects to design the scheme and using its sister company Vision Volumetric to deliver the building. The 424-bed scheme is being built on a brownfield site and will contain communal lounges, workspaces, and external terraces. According to the original plans, the development will be car-free and have 329 cycle parking spaces.

According to the consulted proposals, Tide are aiming for 35% of bed spaces to be available at affordable rent for students, and 10% of rooms will be developed to be fully accessible. They are also targeting a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating.

The site falls within the Southall Opportunity Area Planning Framework. It is also located between the Gateway Character Area and the Green Character Area, which are both designated as areas for major housing growth in the London Plan.

[edit] The benefits of volumetric construction

According to Formation Architects:

“Using modern methods of construction (MMC) will result in superior standards in quality, sustainability, regulatory compliance, health and safety and speed. Additionally, reducing the CO2 emissions associated with construction and operations of the building by up to 45%.

“This volumetric construction will help reduce waste – 80% less onsite waste and reduces traffic with 80% less vehicle movements to site. This cladding is to be lightweight, reducing the foundation size and basement structure. The repeating typical floor plan increases the ability to implement modular and unitised systems.”

[edit] Timescales

• January 2025 – planning permission granted
• March 2025 – Gateway 2 submission
• October 2025 – Gateway 2 approval granted

Tide said it will start construction of the scheme “immediately”, with the scheme set to be completed and ready for occupancy by the start of the 2026 academic year.

--HannahCarpenterLMC 12:01, 20 Oct 2025 (BST)

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