TfL's proposed Overground from Hendon to Hounslow would add platforms at Hendon and Brent Cross West. Comments close 18 November; three drop-ins are in Barnet.
Transport for London has opened a public consultation on the West London Orbital. It is a proposed London Overground line that would start at Hendon, call at Brent Cross West, and run south and west to Hounslow. Comments close on 18 November 2026 (TfL consultation).
Hendon would be the northern end of the line. Both Barnet stops would need new platforms.
What it would mean at Hendon and Brent Cross West
The line would mostly use existing railway, including the Dudding Hill line through Neasden and Harlesden. TfL says that line is currently used only by freight, and the Orbital would bring passenger trains back to it for the first time in over 100 years.
At Hendon, TfL’s plans include:
- two new platforms on the freight lines on the western side of the station, where Orbital trains would start and finish
- track and signalling changes so freight trains can get past while an Orbital train is in the platform
- a new footbridge, giving step-free access between the street and every platform for the first time
- possibly a second station entrance on the western side, connecting to Irving Way
TfL says it may need “a small amount of land” outside the railway boundary on the western side of Hendon station (TfL, existing stations). Across the whole route it expects only commercial property, not homes, to be affected. No land from residential properties is expected to be needed (TfL FAQs).
At Brent Cross West, TfL would build:
- two new platforms on the western side
- a new bridge from the existing concourse
- stairs and lifts for step-free access to the new platforms
Barnet Council paid for preparatory work when Brent Cross West was built, TfL says, so that adding Orbital platforms later would be easier and less disruptive.
The route and the service
The line would serve 12 stations. Four would be new: Neasden, Harlesden, Old Oak Common Lane and Lionel Road.
TfL’s FAQs set out the planned service. Four trains an hour would run the whole route from Hendon to Hounslow. Two more an hour would run between Hendon and Old Oak Common Lane. That gives Hendon and Brent Cross West six trains an hour, with the same frequency through the day and at weekends.
Both Barnet stations would have a same-station change onto Thameslink. At Old Oak Common Lane, TfL says passengers would be a short walk from HS2, the Elizabeth line and Great Western Railway.
A branch to West Hampstead through Cricklewood has been dropped. TfL says it was forecast to carry around seven times fewer passengers than the Hendon route, and would have added about £100 million to the cost. It says it will keep that option open.
Cost and timescale
TfL puts the cost at £800 million to £900 million, in 2023 prices. It lists central government, TfL, the Greater London Authority, local partners and developer contributions as the expected funders. So far TfL, the west London boroughs and the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation have agreed £6.65 million for design and development work. TfL pays half and the other partners pay the other half.
Nothing is funded to build yet. TfL’s current programme is:
- a decision on whether to go ahead by the end of 2027
- a Transport and Works Act Order application around 2029
- construction from the early 2030s
- passenger services from around 2035
TfL says about 25,000 homes are expected to benefit. It names Brent Cross and Cricklewood, and Burnt Oak and Colindale, among the growth areas the line would serve.
What it means for you
- You can respond online through TfL’s survey, which it says takes no more than 10 minutes. There is also a phone call-back service on 020 3054 6037, and a freepost address, FREEPOST TFL HAVE YOUR SAY.
- Three drop-in sessions are in or next to Barnet (TfL, drop-in events):
| Date | Time | Place |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday 31 October | 11am to 2pm | Claremont Park, Brent Cross Town NW2, at the Halloween Dog Parade |
| Tuesday 3 November | 4pm to 7pm | Brent Cross West station, Geron Way NW2 |
| Thursday 5 November | 12pm to 3pm | Middlesex University main quad, The Burroughs, Hendon NW4 |
- If you live by the railway at Hendon, the consultation is the time to raise noise, lighting or land concerns. TfL says it will publish more on construction and operating impacts at the next stage of design.
- Nothing changes soon. TfL aims to publish a consultation report in early 2027, and there would be another public consultation before any application for powers.
Brent Cross is also where TfL’s flyover works started last night, with the A41 down to one lane each way. The dates are in our report on the flyover closures.
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