A new complex with around 200 homes at the Morrisons supermarket site would act as a "gateway" to Brentford , it is claimed.

As well as retaining a supermarket, as demanded by residents , Essential Living plans to create a new piazza and public performance space.

The developer, which bought the site last year , also proposes to restore the historic view of the St Paul's Church spire by creating a public walkway through the plot.

It says it believes the scheme can transform the site, to the east of shops in Brentford High Street, beside The Beehive pub, into a "gateway" to Brentford.

Flats available for key workers at reduced rent

All the homes would be for rent, with around a quarter available to key workers like nurses and teachers at around 45% below the market rate.

Essential Living says the fact it would not just build the complex but would manage the flats once they are completed, means it has a greater stake in the future of the site and the wider neighbourhood.

It envisages the public space hosting pop-up shops and market stalls, as well as performances, possibly organised by the nearby Watermans arts centre.

A map showing pedestrian access to the proposed development

The ground floor would be taken up mostly by a new supermarket which would have the same floor space as the existing Morrisons store, though could be occupied by a different firm.

There would also be space for a restaurant and other retail or leisure facilities on the other side of a public walkway through the plot.

Essential Living says its initial proposals are for the buildings to be five storeys facing the High Street, rising up to around 12 storeys at the rear, and to feature a mix of brick colours and lighter materials for the "light box" element.

No parking for residents

There would be an underground car park with a similar number of spaces to the existing one.

All the spaces would be for visitors rather than those renting the flats, as the developer says it would be a "car free" housing scheme.

The initial proposals for the site were unveiled at a public exhibition on Wednesday (July 20).

The Morrisons site as it looks now (Google Street View)

Essential Living wants to hear people's views as it draws up detailed plans which it hopes to submit to Hounslow Council in early December.

Should the scheme get the go-ahead, it aims to begin work in autumn 2017 and says construction is expected to take 18-24 months.

There was a mixed reaction from visitors to the exhibition who spoke to getwestlondon .

Most people said they were glad to see the site being regenerated and happy that a supermarket was included.

But some expressed concerns about the proposed height of the buildings and about the effect on traffic of cars entering the car park from the High Street.

You can view the plans and have your say at Essential Living's website for the scheme.

What did people think?

Janet McNamara , who lives in Brentford and is a member of the Brentford & Chiswick Local History Society, said: "It's a site that can certainly be improved. The long brick wall has been an eyesore since the supermarket was built in the 1970s.

"I like the public open spaces and think the idea of building to let is what needs to be happening, but everything being planned for Brentford is just a bit too tall at the moment."

An aerial view showing the site in red and nearby landmarks

Jennie Shaw , of Brentford, said: "It's essential there's a supermarket so I was glad to see that, and I'm happy with the public spaces included.

"My anxiety is there's so much development going on around Brentford that I'm not sure we have the infrastructure to cope.

"Maybe they could include a GP surgery on site or provide money for more services at the Albany Practice just up the road.

"I also think 12 storeys is a bit high, and I think having the access to the car park off the High Street could be a nightmare traffic-wise."

Andrew Mitchell , of Brentford, said: "We've been here 10 years and Brentford is coming up and up, and this looks positive in principle.

"I'm worried about them being rental flats because I think we need more houses in the area.

"I also hope they will keep the quality of the buildings up. My gut reaction is that it could look 'sub'."

Creekside Wharf, in Greenwich, which is one of Essential Living's other developments

Geoff Garrod , of Brentford Dock, said: "The plans seem to be reasonable and in keeping with the local area, though I don't like the idea of an underground car park."

Derek Simpson , the rector of Brentford, said: "I think there are real benefits about creating a centre for Brentford and I'm quite excited about the public realm planned.

"Obviously there are issues to do with the height, infrastructure and access to parking. We will engage with them positively to get a good result."

Jackie Pitt , of Brentford, said: "I'm worried they will put business and high finance before the needs of local residents.

"They need a bigger supermarket to serve the occupants of all the new flats being built in the area, and why aren't they incorporating a doctor's surgery?"

The proposed ground floor layout includes a large supermarket

Caroline Smith , of Brentford, said: "We're not inherently opposed to this but there are details which concern us.

"One of those is that they're building 200 flats with no parking spaces for those living there.

"They say the residents won't use cars but we don't believe that. There should be some parking for residents so it doesn't put a greater strain on parking in the area."