A new chair has been appointed to the independent panel advising on major development across Old Oak and Park Royal, including areas of Ealing around North Acton, East Acton and Park Royal.
Architect and urban designer Jas Bhalla took over as chair of the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation’s (OPDC) Place Review Group on 1 September 2026, replacing Professor Peter Bishop after eight years in the role.
The 22-member Place Review Group provides independent advice on major development proposals, planning policy and projects being brought forward by OPDC.
Mr Bhalla has been a member of the Place Review Group since 2024.
Mr Bhalla, founder of Jas Bhalla Architects, said: “I’m particularly looking forward to working with the panel as the Local Plan Review progresses, and as OPDC continues to develop the delivery strategy for the Old Oak development.”
Emma Williamson, director of planning at OPDC, said Mr Bhalla’s experience would “bring valuable insight” to the Place Review Group.
The appointment comes as plans move forward for the 70-acre, £10bn Old Oak development, where 8,000 homes are proposed alongside 20 acres of public realm, six acres of green space and commercial and community space.
