Landowners could be forced to sell up to pave the way for nearly 900 new waterside homes in Brentford .

The developer Ballymore was granted outline permission in 2014 for up to 876 homes between Brentford High Street and the Grand Union Canal, but nearly two years later construction has yet to begin.

Hounslow Council says Ballymore has secured 93% of the 4.5 hectares of land needed but remains locked in negotiations over the remainder.

Councillors are now set to decide whether to approve the use of compulsory purchase orders, obligating the owners of the remaining plots to sell at a fixed price if they cannot come to an agreement with Ballymore.

Councillors will be asked to vote on the matter at the next borough council meeting on Tuesday September 13, after council leader Steve Curran recommended the measure in principle in a single member decision on Friday (September 2).

Land needed includes Natwest and Paddy Power buildings

Among the remaining land to be purchased are a handful of buildings along the southern side of Brentford High Street, including those occupied by Natwest and Paddy Power.

The land required also incorporates a plot off Brent Way known as Bradshaw's Yard, the council's ownership of which is subject to a High Court challenge.

As well as new homes, the development will include around 18,000sqm of retail and commercial space, and there are also plans for water sports facilities, a museum and potentially a new home for Watermans arts centre.

A report due to go before councillors suggests the development would create 950 new jobs while "revitalising the High Street and waterside areas, as well as providing much needed new housing".

Should the land be secured, the council report adds, work on the site is scheduled to begin next year.