Plans for a 27-storey tower in Hounslow town centre as part of a major new development have emerged.

The new residential tower is part of proposals by developer Barratt London to transform the car park opposite ASDA, which has long been earmarked for regeneration.

The plans are still at an early stage, with public consultation not due to begin until September and a formal application not expected until next spring.

However, more details were revealed by Barratt Developments last night at the latest meeting of the Hounslow Town Centre Team, which is made up of residents and other stakeholders.

It is understood the development would include about 500 homes within the tower and another block rising to about 10 storeys.

There would also be a new public square, a multiplex cinema, a two-storey underground car park and several smaller shops and restaurants, according to those at the meeting.

getwestlondon understands the proposals were met with a mixed reaction last night, with some saying they are a big improvement on those previously proposed by the developers behind the Blenheim Centre (the block containing ASDA and hundreds of flats above) but others appalled at the idea of a spiralling tower.

Chris Durkin, acting chairman of Hounslow Town Centre Neighbourhood Forum, said he was pleased the parking would be entirely underground and understood the tower was needed to pay for this.

However, he said he understood the concerns of those living next to the site, whose views could be blocked by the new homes.

Christine Quick, who lives near the site, said her reaction was 'generally positive' and the plans marked a definite improvement on previous proposals for the land.

She added that she was particularly glad the consultation was being held in September rather than during the summer holidays, as had happened with past consultations. She said this suggested the developer was keen to take on board the views of local residents.

Should the new tower eventually be approved, getwestlondon understands it would be the borough's joint tallest building, at least in terms of the number of floors, alongside the 27-storey tower in Brentford's Great West Quarter.

A spokesman for Barratts said the development would create around 1,000 jobs for local people.

Barratt London and Wilson Bowden signed a partnership deal with Hounslow Council in March this year for the £100 million High Street Quarter regeneration project.

Should everything go to plan, work is expected to begin in April 2016 and be completed by summer 2018.

Tesco announced plans in March for a 21-storey tower beside Hounslow bus station, in London Road. It is expected to submit a planning application in the next few weeks.

Hounslow's Treaty Centre has said a new Next store at the site of the old Woolworths will create 36 jobs, as work on the extension to the shopping complex progresses.