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Read our policy Trusted media brand of the Chartered Institute of Housing By 2025-04-25T14:45:00+01:00 Watchdog’s investigation finds “catalogue of errors” in dealing with applicant  Hounslow Council has disagreed with a social care watchdog’s recommendation to house a young mother and her baby.  The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman said the council should offer her the next suitable two-bedroom property after finding it made a “catalogue of errors” which left her sofa surfing while pregnant The local authority has not agreed to this recommendation instead opting to apologise and pay the woman £3,759 to recognise the time she spent in unsuitable accommodation outside the borough and the “distress and frustration” caused by its dealings with the applicant The woman first approached Hounslow council in May 2022. Over several months the Ombudsman reported that the authority: The Ombudsman’s investigation found that the council took 77 weeks too long to assess the woman’s housing application saying if it had dealt with her inquiry properly it would have designated her “eligible homeless and in priority need” and provided her with immediate interim accommodation the council gave the applicant incorrect information to discourage her from applying for social housing in order to avoid its legal duties to her as a homeless person This led to her missing out on several secure tenancies Hounslow Council’s cabinet member for housing management and homelessness said: “We maintain that at all times in this case we acted legally and in line with housing policy During the period in question Miss X secured her own accommodation outside the borough Our priority and responsibility around housing need is for people residing in Hounslow who cannot house themselves “We cannot accept all the Ombudsman’s recommendations in this case The council does not accept that there is evidence that a homelessness application would have been successful Homelessness applications are subject to rigorous assessment to ensure limited resources are allocated to those most in need.” >>See also: Ombudsman criticises Housing for Women after incorrect £10,000 charge to resident >>See also: £330m expected overspend on homelessness services could bankrupt us, London boroughs warn Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman said: “Hounslow council has left a vulnerable mother and her child without the security of knowing where she would call home at a particularly desperate time of her life As a young pregnant person she has been forced to sofa surf despite clear evidence the council owed her a duty “All this has had a significant effect on her She moved into one-bedroom shared accommodation shortly before she gave birth All the evidence shows that if Hounslow had acted correctly the woman would have had the safety of a social tenancy when her child was born.” Amerdeep added that the council is “failing to fully accept the gravity its incorrect advice and practice has had on this woman and her child” by refusing the recommendation to house them urgently and calls on councillors to do the “right thing” and accept it “as soon as possible.” Pause will allow officers to turn roughly 120 void homes into homes for homeless people as it seeks to regain compliance with legislation London Councils describes housing crisis as “single biggest risk” to boroughs’ finances Florence Esholami says soaring rough sleeping figures are a ‘source of national shame’ and calls on ministers to act Deal goes through two years after Berkley named preferred bidder on £2bn scheme  DESNZ will boost green skills under its Warm Homes Plan through financial awards  Developer also wins grant funding from London mayor  Site powered by Webvision Cloud The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) has expressed its disappointment after Hounslow Council refused its recommendation to offer a home to a young mother We’d love you to join us at the London Borough of Hounslow Our people are deeply committed to providing excellent services to our residents doing all we can to make lives as good as they can be we’ve built strong partnerships which have transformed how we serve one of London’s most diverse boroughs Hounslow is the world in one place and full of potential We are stepping up for our residents like never before About our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion We live by five core values: Lead with Heart It's about breaking down barriers between our parts and people and unlocking the problem-solving power of our amazing mix of minds we have a diverse workforce and we are committed to being an inclusive employer We work hard to create representation across our workforce and leadership community we have thriving employee network groups and our learning and development programmes help us lead model and breathe ways of working that eliminate inequality As part of this and under our commitments as a Disability Confident Employer we make reasonable adjustments to accommodate our candidates There’s space for you to tell us what you need within our application form you’ll have access to a range of employee benefits This is an exciting opportunity to be part of our Capital Projects and Network Management Team as a Senior Engineer (Traffic Projects) you’ll be primarily working on the end-to-end delivery of traffic and public realm improvement schemes taking ownership from design development through to completion You’ll lead a small team of engineers and technicians and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered efficiently and effectively This role offers great scope for professional development including the opportunity to manage high value complex projects and broaden your expertise in engineering design and project leadership within a supportive and collaborative environment The successful candidate will be joining the Capital Projects and Network Management Team which sits within the Transport and Parking Division The key aim of our team is to deliver high quality traffic and public realm improvement schemes that enhance safety and overall travel experience for residents Our work directly impacts day-to-day life reducing congestion The team is made up of skilled professionals including engineers all working collaboratively to deliver projects from initial concept through to completion You will report to the Team Leader – Capital Projects & Network Management and will also work alongside colleagues from other council departments and external consultants to ensure the successful delivery of schemes aligned with local and strategic objectives A strong collaborator who can lead and support a team while building effective working relationships across the council and with external partners Confident managing projects from start to finish Skilled at translating technical information into clear advice and reports for different audiences Comfortable using design software such as AutoCAD and able to interpret technical drawings and engineering plans 5.Able to think creatively and problem-solve under pressure particularly when balancing competing priorities or responding to public concerns Familiar with relevant legislation and guidance related to highways traffic management and public realm improvements Read more about the work you’ll be doing in the Role Profile We know that sometimes people can be put off applying for a job if they think they can’t tick every box we realise the ‘perfect candidate’ doesn’t exist if you can do most of what we’re looking for You may be just the right candidate for the job or be perfect for one of our other roles When Interviews Will Be Held And Who To Contact The key information you need about the role should be in the role profile but if you have any further questions about the role Email: Paul.Robinson@hounslow.gov.uk Interviews for this job will be held during week commencing 26th May 2025 Hounslow is the world in one place and full of potential.  We are stepping up for our residents like never before Harness the Mix and Be a Rock.  All our work has equality best articulated in “Harness the Mix”.  It's about breaking down barriers between our parts and people and unlocking the problem-solving power of our amazing mix of minds we make reasonable adjustments to accommodate our candidates.  There’s space for you to tell us what you need within our application form you’ll have access to a range of employee benefits.  Read more about these here              We know that sometimes people can be put off applying for a job if they think they can’t tick every box.  At Hounslow Email: Paul.Robinson@hounslow.gov.uk Create a job alert and receive personalised job recommendations straight to your inbox When you create this job alert we will email you a selection of jobs matching your criteria. Our terms and conditions and privacy policy apply to this service and you can unsubscribe at any time your email address will be shared with the employer London’s Deputy Mayor for Business and Growth to explore key sites and discuss its ambitious plans for regeneration GLA Deputy Mayor Dawber was joined by Hounslow Council Leader Cllr Shantanu Rajawat and Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Assets Regeneration and Development Cllr Tom Bruce on Thursday (16 January) The visit highlighted the Opportunity Hounslow Business Case for Growth which aims to unlock £33 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) and create over 18,000 jobs by focusing on transformative projects like Future Feltham and the Golden Mile The Golden Mile’s forthcoming centenary in 2025 will be a unique opportunity to celebrate its industrial heritage drive new investment and deliver on Hounslow’s vision for a modern Discussions during the visit underscored the critical importance of strategic infrastructure projects such as the West London Orbital (WLO) the proposed rail link connecting Hounslow to Old Oak Common and beyond and improving connectivity across West London The discussion also centred on ‘Future Feltham’ a bold regeneration plan to transform the area with over 3,000 new homes The redevelopment of the 12-hectare MOD site will anchor this transformation creating a vibrant town centre and critical opportunities for housing Cllr Rajawat emphasised the importance of partnership in achieving these ambitions and private sector is key to unlocking Feltham’s full potential Cllr Rajawat highlighted the significance of collaboration and the importance of leveraging Hounslow’s unique strengths He said: “Today’s visit is a testament to Hounslow’s role as a driving force in London’s economy.”   said: “We see how the Golden Mile is evolving into a hub for creative industries we are committed to delivering sustainable inclusive growth that benefits our residents and businesses alike.”    With 71% of London’s media production jobs located in the borough Hounslow is firmly established as London’s Media Heartland the delegation explored some of the borough’s most dynamic employers starting with Sky’s Isleworth Campus Sky showcased its contributions to innovation and community impact through projects like the cutting-edge Sky Innovation Centre The company’s leadership reaffirmed its commitment to supporting local growth and aligning with Hounslow’s bold vision for the future The visit continued to Brompton Technology a leader in LED video processing and one of the UK’s fastest-growing tech companies highlighted by its recent inclusion in the Sunday Times 100 Tech supplement underscores Hounslow’s growing reputation as a hub for advanced technology and innovation Discussions at Brompton focused on the company’s contributions to skills development and the growth of the borough’s tech and creative industries said: “West London has always been Brompton Technology’s home and our engineering and manufacturing operations are proudly based here in Hounslow We enjoyed having the opportunity to showcase the industry-leading work we are doing to deliver unprecedented levels of realism and image quality on LED video displays used around the world for the largest live events and as backdrops for shooting spectacular films and television series It’s inspiring to see the borough’s bold vision for regeneration and development and we’re proud to play a role in shaping Hounslow as a hub for advanced technology and creativity on the world stage.”  said: “I’m excited to see the ambitious plans to transform Hounslow and the work already underway to help businesses and communities here to thrive It has been fantastic to meet Hounslow’s businesses as we work together to build a fairer and more prosperous London for everyone.”  For more information about Hounslow’s plans and opportunities, visit https://opportunityhounslow.com/ More articles in the news archive Hounslow Council has unveiled its draft housing strategy for 2025-2030 aiming to tackle the borough’s escalating housing crisis With a focus on addressing the severe shortage of affordable and secure housing The housing crisis in Hounslow mirrors a broader trend across London where government data reveals a staggering 336,366 households on local authority waiting lists for social housing in 2024—a 32 per cent increase since 2014 This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for effective solutions The Council’s strategy outlines five key priorities: tackling homelessness and rough sleeping raising standards in the private-rented sector collaborating with partners to promote healthy and independent living and increasing the availability of genuinely affordable homes cabinet member for housing management and homelessness emphasized the importance of community involvement: “This Housing Strategy is crucial for Hounslow’s future and increasing demand for services have put severe pressure on council budgets We want to ensure that the strategy reflects the needs of our residents and communities and this consultation is the opportunity for people to have their say.” Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the consultation process or through alternative formats such as paper copies the Council’s proactive approach seeks to harness community insights to forge a sustainable housing future © London West (powered by ukpropertyforums.com) Sign up to receive our weekly free journal, The Forum here and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" UK Property Forums enable forums and events in the property sector which help to create business development opportunities Office Address:UK Property Forums Ltd is located in Reading 0203 478 7340info@ukpropertyforums.com We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings we will not be able to save your preferences This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again ADN is a 15-year-old disabled child with an Education His special educational needs are such that he requires a special school In December 2022 his family were told that he would not have a school place from September 2023 their approach to searching for a school was highly flawed and they failed to make progress Despite being of statutory school age and despite criticism and intervention including from the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman ADN remained without a school place from September 2023 onwards- a period of over 19 months He missed two full academic years at school In addition to the absence of a school place ADN also received limited education outside of school during this time He received some limited and sporadic tutoring at home due to delays by Hounslow (including in sourcing provision; pausing provision for assessment and annual reviews; providing direct payments) ADN received no tuition whatsoever for six months in 2024 Education outside the home was secured only after proceedings were issued in February 2025 this was on a limited and part-time basis only ADN had been deprived of any peer group and had been completely isolated at home (over a period of 17 months) brought a claim for judicial review challenging Hounslow’s failure to secure ADN’s special educational needs and failure to secure education other than in a school in the interim ADN’s father additionally claimed that the local authority breached his right to education under Article 2 Protocol 1 of the European Convention on Human Rights contrary to s The case proceeded to the day of final hearing on 3 April 2025 where the Defendant at the door of the court consented to the court making three declarations of illegality and two mandatory orders the Defendant agreed to secure a school for ADN within five weeks and secure education outside of the school pending ADN commencing his new school The local authority also consented to the court ordering that it had acted in violation of the Claimant’s right to education under article 2 by denying him the right to education from September 2023 the local authority also made an offer to ADN and his family of damages in addition to an award of damages made to them by the LGSCO in December 2024 This outcome gives ADN a vital route back into education after a long Hounslow’s concession that they breached his right to education was of huge significance to ADN and his family who are now working towards preparing ADN for a long- awaited return to school “We are pleased this case has finally resolved but we do not think this would have happened without court proceedings The fact the local authority agreed they had breached my son’s right to education is especially important for us because it shows that this was their fault- that they didn’t do everything they should have done to get my son a school He desperately wanted to be in school and used to get dressed and wait at the door for someone to take him to school during all of this I only hope he will now be able to recover and make progress again soon and I hope no other family or child has to go through what we have been through just to get the basic of rights for our child.” “The Local Authority’s repeated failures to find a suitable school or provide alternative education were damaging to my client It is a significant outcome that the Local Authority has now acknowledged their actions as a breach of this child’s human rights.” ADN was represented by Gráinne Mellon, leading Alex Temple of Garden Court Chambers’ Education Law Team They were instructed by Dominic Pellew of SinclairsLaw + View more awards Regulated by the Bar Standards Board Website by Swerve and Square Eye Ltd We also have the most comprehensive listings directory for businesses in Chiswick PROPERTY For more on our aims, click here.   access and independent living professionals Habinteg Housing Association has completed another development of 12 new accessible apartments in the London Borough of Hounslow in partnership with Hounslow Council which includes two fully wheelchair accessible homes is now home to local individuals and families The flats are built on the site of a demolished garage block just off South Street and forms one of 13 small sites to be developed by Habinteg The development is a modern brick construction surrounded by landscaped areas with newly bedded plants and trees It is a ‘fabric first’ construction that prioritised energy efficiency at the start of the design and development process to minimise heat loss The pitched roof building also has air source heat pumps and triple glazing Deputy Leader of Hounslow Council and Cabinet Member for Assets said: “I’m thrilled to celebrate the opening of the South Street development… it’s a shining example of how strategic partnerships and sustainable design can create accessible “This project not only transforms underused land into valuable housing but also reinforces our commitment to inclusivity and environmental responsibility making significant strides towards meeting the housing needs of our residents,” Cllr Tom added The apartment block was built by Isleworth based Star Contractors a family-owned building firm that has been in business for over 15 years completed scheme in the first phase of our new developments on small sites in the Hounslow Borough “It’s fantastic to see these challenging small sites with unused garages provide accessible accommodation to the people that need it most “We’re also really pleased to have been able to work with locally based Star Contractors which has helped to boost the local economy.” said: “We’re incredibly proud to have worked with our community to bring this development to life supporting local jobs and boosting the Isleworth economy “By transforming a brownfield site from garages into a thriving new community with accessible and affordable housing “The South Street development will have a lasting positive impact offering high-quality housing for local residents while enhancing the surrounding neighbourhood.” Company registration number: 6650714VAT number: 938406505 We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below The cookies that are categorised as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are 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By using our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy Your guide to London's culture and transport news and events taking place across the city Published on 13th February 2025 by ianVisits in Transport News work needs to progress to get the documentation ready for that moment hence the additional funding for the team working on the project The funding was approved this week at Hounslow Council’s cabinet meeting which also approved the ‘Infrastructure Funding Statement’ setting out how and where Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and S106 funding has been collected and will be spent across the borough The CIL funds — collected from new developments in Hounslow and worth nearly £10 million — will be spent on a range of local improvements to greenspaces emphasised the direct benefits of these investments impactful investments in local improvements that really matter to residents Funded by CIL money received from new development in Hounslow they enhance our communities and the lives of people across the borough these projects make Hounslow more attractive to further investment and sustained high-quality living environments which is part of our wider Opportunity Hounslow Business Case for Growth.” This website has been running now for over a decade, and while advertising revenue contributes to funding the website, it doesn't cover the costs. That is why I have set up a facility with DonorBox where you can contribute to the costs of the website and time invested in writing and research for the news articles It's very similar to the way The Guardian and many smaller websites are now seeking to generate an income in the face of rising costs and declining advertising Whether it's a one-off donation or a regular giver every additional support goes a long way to covering the running costs of this website and keeping you regularly topped up doses of Londony news and facts If you like what you read on here, then please support the website here If they’re going to develop this into a full scale regular passenger service then they’ll need an extra track and bridge at Acton Wells Jn between the Poplars and the Crinklewood Line or it’ll be absolute chaos there forevermore Seems to me the level crossings on Bollo Lane and at Acton Central will also become a problem North Sheen and Barnes manage with a similar trains per hour throughput and the latest news published on ianVisits You can unsubscribe at any time from my weekly emails © ianVisits Date: Wednesday 12 March to Wednesday 21 May 2025 Hounslow Council are consulting on plans to renew their additional licensing scheme from 12 March to 21 May 2025 The borough can promote their consultation here to help landlords and letting agents understand more about their proposals and how to take part in the consultation Meanwhile, our free guide with more detailed information about property licensing and HMO planning rules in the London Borough of Hounslow is available here Young students from Brentford School for Girls also helped plant the orchard which consists of 14 apple and pear trees.   Robin Grove Park is situated in Syon and Brentford Lock Ward near the club’s previous stadium Griffin Park which was built on an orchard owned by the brewers Fuller Smith and Turner owner of the Fuller’s beer and brewing business contributed towards costs of the orchard and were also present at the event The Robin Grove Park Orchard was created as part of Brentford’s commitment to nature and creating biodiversity According to International Union for Conservation of Nature 24 per cent of Europe’s bumblebee species are threatened with extinction They are in decline due to loss of habitat New green spaces such as the orchard are vital for bees to thrive the orchard also serves as a place that the community can visit and enjoy the club also established the Gtech Community Garden a natural space just outside Gtech Community Stadium which consist of different plant species Brentford sustainability manager James Beale said: “We’re grateful to Hounslow Council for helping us develop this orchard as well as all those from the community who planted trees with us.   “Nature is a key pillar of our work here at Brentford but significant steps to nurturing our environment for our habitat and society We hope the community can enjoy this space and benefit from it.”  leisure and public spaces on Hounslow Council added: “Our orchards are a cornerstone of our borough's history as a place that once supplied London with its fruit and vegetables teaching the next generation the value of sustainability and living healthy lives we've honoured this legacy by planting 16 new orchards in parks such as Lampton Park and to club ambassador Marcus Gayle and players for their collaboration on planting our borough's newest orchard in this once-neglected patch of land "It was wonderful to see local school children planting the new trees and making sure they were given the best start in their new home I hope these same children will join other local people in watching the trees grow thrive and bear fruit."      Hounslow Council is inviting residents to join a new Residents’ Panel aimed at improving services and helping shape decisions across the borough The Council is encouraging people from all walks of life to get involved with the aim of bringing together a diverse group of up to 2,000 local voices Panel members will be invited to take part in surveys Recruitment is open for six weeks from the week commencing 21 April 2025 Interested residents can register by emailing Lee Atkinson (latkinson@smsr.co.uk) at SMSR Research Ltd the independent research company running the panel on behalf of the Council SMSR will contact participants when projects arise LB Hounslow say residents can contribute to shaping policies and highlighting what matters most in their neighbourhoods The Council says the panel is part of a wider commitment to making sure local voices are heard and reflected in the way services are designed and delivered More information is available at talk.hounslow.gov.uk/residentspanel See also: Hammersmith Bridge main carriageway open for pedestrians and cyclists See also: Missing girl Privacy Statement Cookie Policy info@thechiswickcalendar.co.uk About The Chiswick Calendar  Newsletter & Club Card by dwmultimedia We may request cookies to be set on 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and are invited on group outings 100% of residents also surveyed reported an increase in physical activity after six months.  BEfriend reduces social isolation and increases mental and physical wellbeing by personally matching volunteers with residents who can best support their needs It is commissioned and funded in Hounslow by the Borough Based Partnership (BBP) a joint initiative between the Council and local health partners.  Volunteers support residents to attend community activities or simply have a cup of tea and chat at home.  See how a friendship has developed between BEfriend volunteer Alfie and Donald The BBP launched BEfriend in Hounslow in 2023 after evidence highlighted the borough had a far higher percentage of adults who felt lonely ‘often’ or ‘always’ Now residents who have varying health needs physical (including frailty) and sensory disabilities receive either weekly visits from an in-person befriender volunteer or weekly telephone calls.  Joint Commissioning Manager - Preventative Services and Supported Housing said: “Socially isolated people are more likely to suffer depression and less likely to be physically active people are more vulnerable to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness which can lead to self-harm and suicide “Evidence has shown that socially isolated people have poorer health outcomes A befriender provides companionship and helps people to access and reconnect with their local community reducing their risk of needing statutory support and enhancing their quality of life and overall wellbeing.”  said: “It has been incredibly rewarding to witness the positive impact we've already had on individuals facing loneliness.  “We are fortunate to have dedicated volunteers who are committed to alleviating loneliness and we are calling for more volunteers to join us our goal is to help even more people experience the benefits of connection and companionship.” Anyone who wishes to find out more about volunteering for BEfriend or to sign up can do so on the charity’s website Volunteers receive full training before they start visits and ongoing support throughout their befriending journey.  Hounslow Council has officially launched the Regulation 19 Local Plan Consultation offering the community a chance to comment on the plans that will shape future development in the borough until 2041 This is the final opportunity for residents and local organisations to provide their feedback on the proposed Local Plan The Local Plan outlines the council’s vision for future development and aims to meet the housing and economic needs of Hounslow’s growing community the plan plans to deliver 28,800 new homes particularly for those needing social housing The plan also tackles the climate emergency by requiring new developments to be more sustainable and energy efficient ensuring that new developments support the council’s efforts to reduce emissions contributing to Hounslow’s Climate Emergency Action Plan The Local Plan will create over 20,000 new jobs unlock 55 hectares of land by supporting life-blood industries such as aviation and boost the borough’s growing creative sector in the east By strengthening Hounslow’s role as a gateway to London from Heathrow and the M4 corridor the plan aims to ensure the borough continues to play a major role in London’s economy Environmental improvements are central to the Local Plan It will increase green spaces across the borough enhance connections between parks and waterways The plan prioritises creating greener urban areas while protecting and improving public access to open spaces including Green Belt and Metropolitan Open Land deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for assets said: “This Local Plan is crucial for Hounslow’s future We want to ensure the plan reflects the needs of our residents and this consultation is the final opportunity for people to have their say Your feedback will help us build a future that works for everyone in Hounslow.”  The consultation is easy to access, and residents can share their views by visiting talk.hounslow.gov.uk/local-plan-reg19 where they can find more information about the Local Plan After the consultation closes on October 28th the council will submit the Local Plan and all feedback to the government A Planning Inspector will then assess whether the plan meets the necessary standards guiding future development and planning decisions across the borough The Hounslow Planning Committee’s recent approval of amendments to the development project at Homebase Ltd marks a significant step in aligning the project with updated safety and design standards The primary focus of these amendments is to enhance fire safety measures particularly through the incorporation of a second staircase within residential cores This change is a direct response to the Building Safety Act which mandates improved safety protocols in residential buildings The addition of a second staircase is crucial for providing an alternative escape route during emergencies facilitating safer and more efficient evacuations the amendments include several other key changes An additional floor will be added to Blocks D and E increasing the height to part eight and part nine storeys This expansion allows for a revised housing mix which now includes a higher proportion of three-bedroom homes to meet council policies and market demands The footprint of all residential buildings at the podium level will see a minor increase optimizing space usage and improving the overall layout Further improvements involve the building’s façade treatment enhancing its aesthetic appeal and potentially increasing its market value The retail store’s Gross Internal Area (GIA) will see a slight increase while community and flexible retail spaces will experience marginal reductions These adjustments reflect a strategic reallocation of space to better serve the community’s needs the project will see an increase in residential cycle parking by 27 spaces The podium amenity space will expand by approximately 152 square metres providing residents with enhanced recreational areas Landscaping improvements across the public realm and podium level aim to create a more inviting and environmentally friendly atmosphere these amendments reflect a comprehensive approach to improving safety ensuring the development meets modern standards and community expectations A welcoming workplace is core to our vision - a world where infrastructure creates opportunity for everyone we believe infrastructure creates opportunity for everyone Our technical experts and visionaries harness the power of technology to deliver transformative outcomes enhance and restore the world’s natural and social systems We partner with our clients to deliver a better world Transportation Healthcare National Governments Architecture & Design Construction Management Engineering Environmental Services Program Management One World Trade Center Port of Los Angeles Waterfront Mercedes 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World™ Abu Dhabi Discover how the power of infrastructure projects can deliver positive change Our blog discusses some of the biggest challenges of today and tomorrow Find out how innovation is key to influencing our environment improving lives and transforms communities Talking infrastructure discusses the industry's hot topics key projects and groundbreaking innovation To tackle this, we were commissioned by the LBH to conduct a feasibility study into an ambitious new district heat network which will supply low-carbon affordable heat to buildings across the entire borough – and beyond it will be one of the largest district heating networks in the UK.   At the heart of this initiative is a bold plan to capture waste heat from the Mogden Sewage Treatment Works in the borough – transforming what is typically a lost resource into a valuable supply of low-carbon heating.  This heat will then be used to warm homes and businesses throughout the area there is enough waste heat available to serve over 250 individual sites within the borough Having already performed a heat mapping exercise to identify six possible heat demand clusters for the network in the project’s first phase we were commissioned to conduct a feasibility study to examine these options in more detail.  we assessed the viability of different scales of low-carbon heat networks across the borough We next identified a preferred option that would remove as much carbon from the atmosphere as 2.8 million mature trees annually – all while providing a more cost-effective alternative to other carbon reduction technologies.  The project will deliver low-carbon heat via insulated pipes from energy centres to customer buildings replacing existing fossil fuel-based heating systems.  This will save an estimated 2.7 million tonnes of CO2 over its lifetime compared to gas boilers reducing LBH’s emissions by 26 per cent annually from 2022/23 levels.  Customers are expected to benefit directly through lower heating costs making the transition to low-carbon energy more affordable.  In addition to cutting carbon emissions, LBH aims to improve local air quality by reducing nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) through its Air Quality Action Plan Switching from gas combustion to electrically powered district heating will support these goals.   We’re proud to be playing a key part in the delivery of this pioneering district heat network which is set to deliver significant environmental and economic benefits across the borough.   Construction is expected to begin in Isleworth as early as 2028 with a phased rollout across the borough over the next 12 years.   The project has now transitioned from feasibility to design where the next critical step is to engage with potential customers to ensure that the network meets community needs while achieving its sustainability goals Image: Hounslow Council Leader Shantanu Rajawat; Photograph The Chiswick Calendar library Leader of Hounslow Council says there is “little choice but to cut”  Labour-run Hounslow Council have outlined their budget proposals for the year 2025/26 which include a 4.99% increase in Council Tax and millions of pounds worth of cuts to services The increase for a Band F property is £144 which does not include the additional tax set by the GLA The Council said they need to make savings in some areas to address a £30 million funding shortfall and protect core services tackling homelessness and caring for children with disabilities they describe it as: ‘a budget that is about protecting core services while investing in opportunities that will bring growth to our borough.’ The budget allows for £2.2million to stimulate Hounslow’s economy which they say will create 28,000 new homes and 18,000 job opportunities “We must continue to keep an iron grip on our finances to protect Hounslow’s future and to ensure long-term growth Years of chronic underfunding by the previous government spiralling costs and increasing demand have left many councils in a very dangerous place we have little choice but to reduce our spending.” Image: Misty winter’s day on Chiswick High Road Cuts include dimming street lighting and reviewing spending on transport for children with special educational needs LB Hounslow’s proposed cuts to services include: The Chiswick Calendar asked Cllr Rajawat for details of the impact the cuts will have in these three specific areas but as all three are still subject to a review The Council’s proposals to raise extra revenue include: The total package of budget proposals would bring in almost £12.1 million The rest of the shortfall they plan to cover by using the Council’s financial reserve Images: Homelessness has skyrocketed in London; Photograph The Chiswick Calendar library Hounslow to tap into “rainy day” funds to cover shortfall as London councils face “perfect storm” the Council will use £14 million from reserve funds to balance next year’s budget Another £14 million from the reserve has been set aside to cover ‘unexpected’ risks it means they are drawing money essentially from their emergency savings – though politicians tend not to call it that Cllr Rajawat said the money was kept for “a rainy day.” Reserve funds can be used to cover budget shortfalls Hounslow Council said they aim to replenish reserve funding within three years in part due to savings made in this budget Cllr Rajawat told us this year’s budget settlement had been “incredibly challenging” for all London councils who are facing a “perfect storm” of increasing demand and increasing costs “We cannot drop our guard now: this budget and the commitments it represents to growing our economy modernising service provision and protecting the most vulnerable will secure the future of Council services and the best interests of our residents for many years to come.” Image: Cost of adult social care is increasing as the population ages; Photograph The Chiswick Calendar library Homelessness leaving London councils “at breaking point” According to analysis from London Councils the organisation which represents the 32 London boroughs the cost of homelessness has left London boroughs strapped for cash and some could face effective bankruptcy unless the Government provides more funding The cross-party group said in September 2024 that the capital’s borough councils faced a collective £700m funding shortfall mainly due to housing and homelessness pressures Following up on the report in January this year the group said that homelessness was leaving many councils at “breaking point.” Those who are homeless include nearly 90,000 children every London classroom has at least one homeless child READ ALSO: Homelessness leaving boroughs at “breaking point” say London Councils Hounslow Council said that throughout 2024 it has reduced the number of households in temporary accommodation through a combination of “robust case management for households at risk of homelessness and actively increasing social housing stock to make permanent housing offers” £3.2m is being put aside to tackle homelessness in the borough Council officials stressed that the largest cost pressure in relation to temporary accommodation remains the cost of housing supply itself which continues to increase at a rate that far outstrips inflation The Council said it has undertaken detailed modelling to assess its future exposure to the financial impact of homelessness It has used these projections to give them an idea of what is needed in the 2025/26 budget Lampton 360 services; Photographs The Chiswick Calendar library Council dismiss concerns raised about financial state of Lampton Group The Council’s budget proposals have been criticised by the Conservative opposition who point to the Lampton Group It recorded losses of around £11 million last year Hounslow’s Conservative Group said the proposed savings are a “drop in the ocean” compared with the money they believed would be required to bail out Lampton The group was originally established to deliver a range of commercial and public services while generating income for the Council “If you’re having to make cuts to Council services to bail out companies that you own you’re probably not running them very effectively “Our concern is that if we’re doing this every single financial year they’ve always made a loss every year and that’s cost the tax payer millions of pounds we’re probably not getting very good value for money.” Council officials denied a direct bailout and said it was “unfortunate” that the numbers matched in terms of narrative adding that Lampton’s deficit will be on the company’s balance sheet alone Lampton operates as an arm’s-length organisation meaning it is separate from the Council but still accountable to it through a ‘Shareholder Committee’ Chiswick Homefields representative Cllr John Todd (Conservative) criticised the financial oversight of Lampton pointing out that four out of five of Lampton’s Shareholder Committee meetings did not go ahead in 2024 which put into place an action plan for turning the company’s finances around the Council blamed the unexpected General Election and planned London Mayoral Election in 2024 for disrupting their timetable Image: Felled trees in Grove Park; Photographs by Grove Park Group We reported in December that the Council planned to stop replacing felled street trees as part of the cuts to tree maintenance Initial budget documents explicitly listed ‘Do not replace felled trees’ with a cost saving of £20,000 READ ALSO: Conservative opposition calls for Hounslow Council to rethink environmental cuts that wording has been replaced with the phrase ‘Review of tree maintenance across the Highways network’ “I appreciate the title in the first paper was probably unfortunate “The title in the second paper is actually more accurate in terms of what we would do it’s more of a saving within the PFI (private finance initiative) contract that we’ve got rather than a reduction in the actual service that’s offered.” He insisted that the Council has not decided to stop replacing felled trees altogether but noted that specific locations and types of replacement trees are still under review READ ALSO: LB Hounslow assures residents it will replace felled street trees despite cost saving exercise Image: Night time in Chiswick; Photograph Jon Perry We also questioned the Council over the proposed review of street lighting controls particularly on the potential impact on public safety The Council aims to save £200,000 by adjusting lighting schedules which could include further dimming or selective switching off of streetlights Cllr Rajawat told us that while turning off lights completely is unlikely the Council will explore options such as reducing brightness or alternating which lights remain on at certain times “The investment put into our network means we have some of the most advanced streetlights across London But is it about having every other streetlight on Because you could do that in the network.” The Conservative opposition group says that reducing lighting could lead to increased crime When asked whether police and community safety groups would be consulted Cllr Rajawat confirmed that discussions would take place: We’ve already dimmed some streetlights as part of previous savings so we need to understand the impact of that before making further changes.” A decision on the streetlighting changes will be made following the review as well as the possibility of community consultations before the changes are rolled out The budget has yet to be passed by a meeting of the whole Council which is due to take place on Tuesday 25 February Read more stories on The Chiswick Calendar See also: Homelessness leaving boroughs at “breaking point” say London Councils See also: Holocaust survivor’s daughter marks 80th anniversary at Chiswick School the Top Gun: Maverick star shared her health journey with fans Glen Powell is using his star power to help a friend fighting for her life "Charlie Hounslow is a wonderful human I have the pleasure of working with every day," Powell wrote on his Instagram Stories April 29 "She's a loyal and generous friend with an infectious laugh "Charlie has just been diagnosed with Stage 4 Glioblastoma - an aggressive and currently considered incurable brain cancer Vampire Diaries alum Claire Holt also shared news of Charlie's health battle on her own social media and donated to the GoFundMe which her family created for her to raise money for her treatments and care "Charlie has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Glioblastoma — an aggressive and currently considered incurable brain cancer THEY CLEARLY HAVEN'T MET CHARLIE!T To say this has come as a shock is an understatement where a CT scan revealed a mass on her brain Charlie's family also noted on the GoFundMe that there was a "highly promising clinic in Germany" that offers a treatment program that costs approximately $200,000 "We are fighting to get Charlie access to the best possible care," they wrote "but these treatments come at a high price." The page added that Charlie’s brother Nick has flown in from Los Angeles and moved into her home in London so he can be by her side "Funding will also help keep Nick here to support her and advocate for her care," the family continued "We are so incredibly grateful for any support you can offer — whether that’s through donating or simply keeping Charlie in your thoughts and prayers." Read on to find out more about celebs who have spoken about their cancer journeys.. The All My Children alum announced in January 2025 that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer his third cancer diagnosis throughout his life he announced (for the third time) in February 2025 he was cancer-free following successful surgery and treatments “Remember, you’re not defined by any of your challenges," he wrote in his February 2025 Instagram update my anxiousness or my scars but I embrace it all because the only way to transform it is to own it.” The former Golden Bachelor star shared in Dec 2024 that he had been diagnosed with Waldenström's macroglobulinemia there's no cure for it,” Gerry noted to People at the time “So that weighs heavily in every decision I make It was like 10 tons of concrete were just dropped on me known for roles in The Boys and Supernatural that he had battled prostate cancer for years and was cancer free "I had to have a lil bit o'cancer removed from my body and lymph nodes biopsied," the Vanderpump Rules star revealed to fans at the close of 2018 The Desperate Housewives star revealed to fans in September 2018 that she survived anal cancer. "After posting a picture of myself here and uttering the words #cancer and #hairloss, I feel liberated, deliriously free and completely me," she shared on Instagram The two-time Oscar winner underwent successful treatment for cancer, and his rep confirmed to E! News that doctors deemed Hoffman "surgically cured." The X-Men star was treated for his third basal cell carcinoma back in 2014, and after his third treatment, Jackman's rep told E! News that he's "all good" now In April 2023, Hugh had two biopsies for additional basal cell carcinoma "If I can just take this opportunity to remind you summer is coming for those of us in the northern hemisphere The former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star celebrated one year of being cancer-free in January. The mother of two was diagnosed with endometrial cancer back in 2013 and underwent a radical hysterectomy Then in 2017, Camille had surgery to remove Squamous Cell Carcinoma The Avengers: Age of Ultron actress battled ovarian cancer at the age of 25 and overcome odds when she welcomed two children with husband Taran Killam TV host reveals he underwent surgery for prostate cancer in July 2013 and has since been given a clean bill of health The Dancing with the Stars cohost underwent successful surgery for thyroid cancer. The mother of four tweeted I'm [home] recovering & resting." "MY DR CALLED ME ON A SAT. MORNING TO TELL ME I AM CANCER FREE!!!!! #wootothemotherf--kinhoo," the actress tweeted after receiving the good news The Up All Night star was declared "100-percent clear" of breast cancer after treatment and a double mastectomy The Dexter star used a hiatus from his hit series to slay Hodgkin's lymphoma The Australian actress revealed in October 2011 that she had a cancerous mole removed from her calf after her hubby encouraged her to get the suspicious-looking mark checked out The Scot is trainspotting just fine these days after having a cancerous mole removed from beneath his right eye The singer beat breast cancer in 2004 with a "minimally invasive" lumpectomy and radiation therapy The Oscar winner declared in early 2011 that his tumor was gone and he had throat cancer "beat." The Emmy winner whacked breast cancer in 2004 Surely the CNN veteran wears his SPF when he's braving the elements now after having a cancerous growth removed from under his left eye in 2008 The Australian pop star underwent successful surgery for breast cancer in 2005 The 7th Heaven star was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease when he was only 28 The ER fave had to abandon her role in Parenthood to fight breast cancer in 2009—but her treatment was a success and she was back on the red carpet in no time The America's Got Talent judge was diagnosed with colon cancer while shooting The Osbournes in 2002 and used the opportunity to stress the importance of regular screenings while attacking the #@%! with chemotherapy. She was declared cancer-free the following year The Oscar winner took prostate cancer down and has been in about 400 movies since then The Good Morning America cohost proudly flaunted her smooth scalp while undergoing chemotherapy to treat breast cancer in 2007 The champion cyclist battled back from stage-four testicular cancer before winning seven straight Tour de France titles The Grammy and Oscar winner became an inspiring activist after a lumpectomy and chemotherapy cleared her of breast cancer in 2005 The former Saturday Night Live standout mined her breast cancer battle for comedic material that turned into God Said Ha! her successful one-woman show that eventually went to Broadway The Sex and the City star was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006, and after surgery and radiation treatments, she was given the clear Image: Exhaust fumes; Photograph The Chiswick Calendar library New prices come into effect on 28 February Hounslow Council are set to expand their emissions-based parking charges ‘to tackle air pollution in the borough’ Drivers will be able to see the emissions-based charges immediately when paying for parking through the PayByPhone system, contactless terminals, and PayPoint machines. They can also check their vehicle’s emissions to determine which charging ‘band’ their vehicles falls within by entering their vehicle registration number on the DVLA website The Council say the changes follow an ‘extensive’ consultation with residents and businesses to ‘ensure a fair Similar schemes have been successfully introduced in other London boroughs The new prices come into effect on 28 February Diesel vehicles release more CO2 emissions than petrol vehicles and a surcharge for diesel and diesel-hybrid vehicles is being introduced these charges will now apply to resident and business parking permits there are no changes planned for motorcycles this will be subject to a separate consultation in the coming months Image: The seven new emissions bands; Photograph Hounslow Council Seven ‘bands’ of emissions charges announced Emissions-based parking considers a vehicle’s environmental impact and parking charges are calculated based on a vehicle’s level of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions to better reflect the level of CO2 emissions produced by different vehicle types This means vehicles producing lower emissions pay less than more polluting vehicles The move forms part of the Council’s recently approved Parking Strategy which is aimed at improving local air quality and promoting cleaner Hounslow Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure Air quality in our borough is a big issue and we need to take bold action to tackle pollution “This initiative is a cornerstone to our plan to further encourage the use of cleaner vehicles and reduce pollution in the borough By introducing lower fees for low-emission vehicles we are helping residents make more sustainable choices while taking real action to tackle air pollution.” Hounslow Council are continuing to expand car clubs and on-street cycle parking to support and encourage affordable sustainable alternatives to travel around the borough See also: Kew Bridge Banksy removed See also: King Charles visits Polish cultural centre in Hammersmith Hounslow Council has recently approved a series of significant development and infrastructure projects funded by the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) demonstrating a robust commitment to enhancing local amenities and accessibility The Cabinet has allocated nearly £10 million from the strategic CIL to vital infrastructure projects within the Capital Programme This funding is set to support a diverse range of local improvements Key initiatives include strategic Rail Accessibility Improvements the development of Priority Cycle Routes 6 and 7 and the Cedar Yards Community and Creative Campus garden landscaping at Feltham Lodge and upgrades to local areas like Chiswick House Cricket Square and playgrounds at Feltham Green and Bear Recreation Ground are also planned Hounslow Council has allocated an additional £714,000 to the project team developing plans for the West London Orbital railway will link Hounslow with Hendon via Old Oak Common significantly improving connectivity across the region The allocation will fund the planning and development currently underway preparing for a formal funding bid with Transport for London (TfL) for the line’s construction This project underscores the Council’s commitment to enhancing transport infrastructure which is crucial for supporting local growth and accessibility and sustained high-quality living environments which is part of our wider Opportunity Hounslow Business Case for Growth.” the Council has earmarked almost £2 million to fund projects spearheaded by external partners further demonstrating its dedication to community development highlighted the direct benefits of these investments emphasising their role in enhancing community life and attracting further investment These projects are part of the broader Opportunity Hounslow Business Case for Growth aiming to create a virtuous cycle of growth and sustained high-quality living environments The Council’s strategic use of CIL funds reflects a comprehensive approach to fostering a prosperous future for Hounslow’s residents A group of residents on the Gunnersbury Park Garden estate have banded together to complain to Hounslow Council that they have been unfairly and inconsistently treated by the Council’s planning department when they have applied to make changes to their properties was laid out in the early 1920s as a garden suburb and is celebrating its centenary this year It has a strong community ethos with an active residents’ association Residents take pride in the appearance of the area Last summer they took part in ‘Front Garden awards’ on the estate and the year before they successfully campaigned to stop Transport for London turning the overgrown wilderness of ‘Bat Corner’ into a car park for its staff READ ALSO: Winners of Gunnersbury Park Garden Estate ‘Front Garden Awards’ announced READ ALSO: Transport for London staff car park at ‘Bat Corner’ turned down But many of the residents have come up against opposition from the Council planning department when they have sought planning permission to improve their homes They say the planners are being ‘overbearing’ and applying rules inconsistently costing them and Hounslow taxpayers thousands of pounds quite unnecessarily “There doesn’t seem to be any sense or consistency with their planning decisions or enforcement and it’s causing stress for a lot of people on the estate,” Claudia Hearne told The Chiswick Calendar They also claim that changes in what the planners require demanded only after building work has already been done are being driven by a handful of serial complainers on the estate In an unusual turn of events and a major breach of confidence Council staff have been telling the affected residents the name of the main complainant venting their frustration at the volume of complaints this individual has submitted The residents have requested his name is not published here to avoid further escalation Claudia and Nick Hearne first put in for planning permission to improve their home four years ago as many others on the estate have already done “We looked at what had been approved before,” Claudia told The Chiswick Calendar “so as not to waste money and energy applying to make changes that would be turned down by the planning office.” Because the estate is in a conservation area kitchen extensions have not usually been permitted to have pitched rooves They put in an application for a flat roof accordingly and at the same time wanted glass doors across the full width of the house They were told part of the span had to have a wall with a window but they were given the go-ahead to install the flat roof they discovered a minor discrepancy in the roof joins with the existing structure sitting 15cm higher than originally planned “A planning officer assessed the site and assured us that as long as the extension remained within the approved height (2.6m) They built to a height of 2.55m and received a letter from the planning office confirming the case was closed It was only once they had finished the extension and moved into the property that someone living on the estate complained “That was just the start,” Claudia told us He reported them for having a home office in their converted garage claiming this was against planning rules Both they and the planning office were satisfied they were using it appropriately He complained that they had replaced the pebble dash on the back wall of their house with painted render despite the planning application clearly approving this They reapplied for planning permission nonetheless which this time was turned down by Hounslow Council only for the planning inspectorate to find a year later that painted render finish was acceptable The same local resident complained that they had replaced their front door with a door of the same design using timber rather than UVPC “The Council admitted it was wasting their time but even so they sent someone to look at it The same man went on to put in nine objections on a planning application the Hearnes submitted to relandscape their front garden he tried to persuade the Council that the proposal should be rejected It was approved and went on to win two awards in the community’s ‘Front Garden Awards’ A Hounslow Council employee told the Hearnes that the complainant had been taking photos and videos of her and her husband as well as making a log of their comings and goings Claudia later discovered that Hounslow Council had inadvertently leaked her mobile phone number and email address “I’ve had calls from a withheld number coming in at all times of the night with the caller heavy breathing down the receiver The Information Commissioner’s Office ruled that the Council had breached data protection laws “It felt like a very personal attack on us,” said Claudia “but we then found that there had been a spate of planning enforcement notices issued to other residents quite late on in the process We were told that 12% of the houses on the estate had received them “There is a whole group of people who have been unfairly affected by over-the-top planning enforcement.” They were told by a source at the Council that 60% of the complaints emanated from the same single complainant who the source described as a ‘sadistic’ person with too much time on his hands who just liked to cause trouble for people The remaining 40% of the complaints came from two other ‘regular’ complainants well known to the planning office The householders are now getting together as a group calling themselves the Gunnersbury Park Garden Estate Fair Planning Alliance They want the Council to agree to a meeting with its head of planning and its conservation officer Their main issue is that the application of planning regulations is totally inconsistent Planning officers say their plans are fine so they go ahead and spend thousands of pounds on building work only to find the officers change their minds when they receive a complaint from someone else on the estate Image: The back of Claudia and Nick’s house showing the way in which the new kitchen roof has been joined to the existing one The investigation into their roof was reopened and the Hearnes were advised by the Council to submit a retrospective planning application This time the planning office rejected it because of the way the new roof is attached to the existing one attaching it to the existing one at the very bottom of its slope “We have asked the planners why they have reopened the case when they have previously told us it was acceptable and were issued with an enforcement notice to take the roof down They are now waiting for the result of a further appeal against the enforcement notice they will have to take the roof down within three months Claudia has looked at similar extensions on the estate with roof joints similar to theirs She showed me 175 photographs showing joins that have been made in the way they have been told they must change Image: Some of the many photographs Claudia has collected showing other houses which have similar roof joins to the one she and Nick are being told to take down Patrizia Gallo and her family have also been told they have to take down the roof of their kitchen extension and redo it because of the way they have joined the roof to the existing structure They have also been told to replace the frames of the sliding doors to the garden “You can’t see them from the back of the house We have a wall at the bottom of the garden about two and a half metres high so you would have to have a very intrusive way of looking at our house to see them You would have to put a camera on a stick and lift it up to take a picture of the back of our house It doesn’t disturb the conservation area because it’s not visible Aluminium is more sustainable; it keeps heat and cool better my son will not be able to stand up straight in the kitchen “The thing I find so hard to take is that there are no consistent standards Some people have done things against the planning regulations and not been prosecuted What we have done has become the standard.” Because the Council had received a complaint Patrizia’s family had a visit from the Council’s officer “He inspected the property and said everything was fine; then we got the email.” The Council officer who came to make the inspection told them the complainant was the same man who had made all the complaints about Claudia and Nick’s extension and that he was well known to them as a serial complainant Image: Close up of one of the other houses on the estate with a roof joint similar to that of Claudia and Patrizia’s Another resident who preferred to remain anonymous has had complaints about the work she has had done ‘We have done two recent extensions; one into the loft and the other a kitchen extension but both times they came round and didn’t find anything wrong ‘My mother moved to my street a couple of years ago and was re-doing the extremely neglected front garden She too was reported and when the man from the council came to have a look ‘I don’t really understand why some residents feel they need to complain about everything when the estate in general is a mishmash of varying extensions both loft and kitchen even the ones after the estate was made into a conservation area.’ Claudia tried to take the case up with her local councillor but then discovered that she was involved in some of the objections “I went to the local councillors’ surgery on 1 June 2023 to seek advice and support from Joanna Biddolph but she refused to discuss the matter and told me It transpired that she herself had been involved in several of the complaints including the position of the Hearnes’ satellite dish but can be seen from the upper story of the councillor’s own house The councillor’s involvement became public when Claudia raised it at the Chiswick Area Forum on Wednesday evening (12 March) the public meeting in which councillors report back to residents on matters relating to Chiswick When the Conservative Cllr Biddolph made a comment about the Labour council causing residents anxiety in the context of another matter unfortunately I suffer from anxiety myself which is being exasperated currently by the threat of prosecution from the Council’s planning enforcement team “They say that this is due to pressure from you to take action on minor planning infractions that aren’t visible to the public I discovered that you have sent them photos of my home taken from your top floor bedroom window “Sadly it’s not just me – the council say 12% of our estate are affected by this campaign I tried to discuss this issue with you at a surgery but you refused to engage me in conversation Don’t you think you should take accountability for the anxiety you are directly causing to me and other residents That whole issue went to the Monitoring Officer [whose job is to ensure legal governance and conduct in local government] and the Monitoring Officer decided that it was not inappropriate I understand that you’re upset and I’m very sorry that you are but it has been through the legal due process.” What the newly formed Gunnersbury Park Garden Estate (GPGE) Fair Planning Alliance wants now is to have a meeting with the Head of Planning at the Council and the Conservation officer as a group to try and work out some sensible and consistent way forward Affected residents can join the GPGE Fair Planning Alliance by emailing gpge.fair.planning.alliance@outlook.com for support and information See also: Brentford players join Hounslow councillors to plant a tiny orchard in Brentford See also: ‘Ginkgo Corner’ takes shape, ready for launch at the next Chiswick Flower Market Image: Holly House visualisation; Photograph SimpsonHaugh / STARBONES LIMITED Hounslow development plans for 2025 could see well over 500 new homes built Hounslow Council is planning to build several hundred new homes in the borough this year in partnership with developers Some of the developments are proposals which have been long-awaited and some include plans to upgrade leisure facilities The project includes office and retail spaces Despite all the concerns which have been expressed about the building’s height and the strain of overdevelopment on infrastructure the Council stresses the area is  a ‘brownfield’ site READ ALSO: 24-storey building at Chiswick Roundabout approved The approval of the Holly House proposal depends on a legal agreement requiring affordable housing contributions a parking permit restriction for residents and a sustainable transport plan to reduce car trips and promote sustainable travel are built into the legal agreement which requires financial contributions towards: Hounslow Council said the site will also be subject to the Community Infrastructure Levy a charge applied to all relevant types of development in Hounslow to provide funds for developing the infrastructure facilities and services needed to support new homes and businesses Image: Churchill House visualisation at 114 Windmill Road Brentford 74 flats will replace an industrial warehouse of which 20% (15) will be classed as ‘affordable’ Ten homes will be available for social rent and five for shared ownership include communal areas and rooftop gardens Contributions of £83,000 to the Carbon Offset Fund and £226,000 for healthcare infrastructure are included in the proposal ‘Affordable housing’ is the broad term used to describe a collection of government schemes where properties are offered at below-market value Asked whether the amount of affordable homes was adequate considering housing need in Brentford “This was a number that was fully scrutinised by the Council and established to be the maximum reasonable amount of affordable homes that could be secured while ensuring the scheme would remain deliverable “The Council will also be securing reviews of this contribution to ensure that additional affordable homes are secured in the event of an uplift in the economy.” Image: Visualisation of the new Watermans Arts Centre in Brentford; Photograph Pollard Thomas Edward Architects Watermans Arts Centre and more Brentford housing Construction is scheduled to begin this summer on a new arts centre and 100 homes at the old police station site in Brentford Plans for the centre include a theatre and niche spaces for the arts fulfilling the commitment to retain cultural provision in Brentford Hounslow Council has approved an additional £1.45 million investment in the Watermans Arts Centre project to address fire safety design changes Construction was anticipated to begin in the first half of 2025 it was to be fully funded through sales of flats on the existing site including the withdrawal of housing association partner Peabody LB Hounslows says negotiations with a new affordable housing provider had reached an advanced stage by late 2024 READ ALSO: Work on new Watermans arts centre could begin in first half of 2025 READ ALSO: Protest at closure of Watermans The revised plans included around 100 flats The original 2021 design allowed for 105 flats and a seven-storey arts centre featuring a theatre set to replace the current arts centre and Max Factor offices with 193 flats is contingent on the Half Acre site’s completion While construction was expected to begin between spring and summer 2025 timelines for the arts centre and flats remain uncertain Image: Visualisation of the new block of flats on Hanworth road in Hounslow; Photograph Hounslow Council A former dye works on Hanworth Road will be redeveloped into a Social Emotional and Mental Health school for 90 pupils Three blocks of flats will also be built on the brownfield site over 1,200 objections and a 20,000 signature petition were submitted focusing on noise To mitigate these concerns the Council has promised acoustic insulation for buildings and solid balustrade balconies to improve privacy Images: Impression of the building which will be built (left) at the former Homebase site (right); Photographs Hounslow Council The site of the former Homebase store on Syon Lane There will be 54 one-bedroom flats (a decrease of four) 65 two-bedroom flats (an increase of seven) These will be broken down into five blocks St Edwards Homes Ltd has proposed adding 16 discounted market sale homes to the scheme While this would require planning approval it would not be included in the Council’s purchase agreement This initiative would allow people living or working in the borough to buy a home at a 20% discount from the market value Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Assets “While costs have increased in line with the wider impact of the cost-of-living crisis on the construction industry this revised sum has been carefully assessed to ensure it represents value for money for the council “At a time of unprecedented housing need this demonstrates the critical role of delivery partnerships in unlocking much-needed homes for Hounslow residents and addressing the housing crisis head-on.” See also: Chiswick resident furious at “insulting” council payout after 14 weeks of “living hell” See also: Two men, from Hounslow and Acton, convicted of Tyreece Scott’s murder The Hounslow Council Planning Committee has approved a redevelopment proposal for the Victory Business Centre site which will transform it into a six-storey building with 71 dwellings This project aims to provide high-quality accommodation while preserving the living conditions of neighbouring properties and enhancing the site’s appearance a financial viability assessment justifies this by demonstrating the project’s financial constraints a cash contribution of £233,196 will be secured through a S106 Agreement The redevelopment will make efficient use of the brownfield site offering significant improvements over the existing Prior Approval Scheme A key feature of the redevelopment is the roof terrace designed to offer additional communal amenities and play spaces for future residents This terrace will include a variety of seating options and loungers and will feature diverse landscape elements such as shade-providing pergolas The terrace will also include an outdoor football table and small-scale children’s play elements making it a versatile space for relaxation and recreation Safety and aesthetics are prioritised with arrangements of metal planters set back from protective railings ensuring a safe distance from the building’s parapet walls A gravelled maintenance strip further separates these elements The terrace will also feature ornamental containers and planters of various sizes promoting a sense of community and sustainability This thoughtfully designed space not only enhances the building’s visual appeal but also provides a valuable amenity for its residents Hounslow Council is buying a new fleet of refuse collection vehicles which and cleaner waste and recycling services for the borough’ Since ULEZ was expanded to include all the outer London boroughs in August 2023 the Council has struggled to upgrade their fleet to make all their vehicles compliant They were branded hypocrites for asking the Mayor’s office for an exemption period to replace their diesel fleet when private citizens were having to replace their vehicles in order not to be caught with ULEZ charges who was then the Deputy Leader of Hounslow Council as well as being Cabinet Member for Climate wrote to the Mayor’s office in June 2022 to say  around a quarter of the council’s vehicle fleet was non-compliant with ULEZ regulations and to request that Transport for London “grants Hounslow and other London Boroughs additional time to upgrade fleets beyond the time that the ULEZ expansion is implemented.” READ ALSO: LB Hounslow branded ‘hypocrites’ for wanting ULEZ exemptions for own vehicles The situation now is that all the Council’s corporate vehicles and those used by Lampton Services are ULEZ compliant or exempt The exemption applies to 15 school transport vehicles which they are planning to replace in October this year The Council is investing over £9 million in the 50 new refuse collection vehicles over the next three years with the new vehicles expected to be delivered between now and 2028 The current refuse collection vehicles are diesel but the new fleet will run on bio-diesel fuel They will be powered by hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel – a renewable fuel that lowers emissions – saving potentially over 85% of emissions compared to regular diesel “The current recycling fleet is fully ULEZ-compliant the vehicles are reaching end-of-life and need replacing Electric vehicles were considered but we do not have the charging infrastructure to enable use of electric refuse collection vehicles currently “The purchase of pre-owned vehicles to be run on HVO is an affordable option for the council that allows us to reduce carbon emissions by 85% whilst buying time to build up the EV infrastructure we will require in the future.” The Council is investing £100k in an HVO storage tank so they can run the whole recycling fleet on HVO See also: Hounslow Police charge eight suspected burglars See also: Fine for fly-tipping goes up to £1,000 Five members of the same family have been found guilty of various charges in a conspiracy to rob a Post Office in Hounslow of £136,000 On 1 April 2024 at about half past six in the evening police responded to reports of an armed robbery at the Post Office in Brabazon Road who were later found to be part of the conspiracy told officers they had been threatened by a man with a gun who stole £50,000 An audit by the Post Office found the actual amount of money missing from the store was around £136,000 Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Flying Squad examined CCTV footage from the area around the shop and tracked the suspect to a nearby car His DNA was also found on a metal fence which he had climbed over and cut himself on as he fled the scene Analysis of his phone showed he was in regular contact with his cousin Sukhvir Dhillon who owned the Post Office branch and the store it was attached to detectives were able to prove they had staged the robbery and that three other family members were in on the plan were found guilty at Isleworth Crown Court on Wednesday 27 March of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and conspiracy to steal from the Post Office was found guilty of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice They will be sentenced at the same court on Friday 6 June “This was a complex investigation which involved piecing together a large amount of CCTV “The group had taken steps to cover their tracks but we were still able to identify those involved and I’m pleased our work resulted in them being brought to justice.” See also: Osterley man jailed for the rape of two teenagers See also: Arrest of two men in west London linked to Hezbollah Hounslow Council kick-started Black History Month a couple of weeks ago at Brentford FC Community Sports Trust’s Community Stadium Hub which saw nearly 200 local residents attend included addresses from former Brentford player Marcus Gayle and the Council’s Cabinet Member for Resident Support Communities and Equalities – Councillor Grewal – to highlight the importance of Black history With this year’s theme focusing on “Reclaiming narratives” representatives from the local  Ghanaian Community Forum and Northeastern University London highlighted the untold success stories of Black communities while challenging the narratives that have often overlooked the contributions and achievements of Black individuals Hounslow Council’s Cabinet Member for Resident Support “I was delighted to attend this event and particularly learn about Black Women’s activism in the UK and the role it played it shaping Black culture which is part of our wider plans to make Hounslow a fairer and more equal borough We want to foster a culture where every resident in Hounslow plays their part in striving for equality.” Former Brentford player and Club Ambassador Marcus Gayle said: “It was a privilege to attend the event and meet so many people from across Hounslow who wanted to learn about Black History and the stories of inspiring people who have reclaimed their narrative and corrected black history and culture “From community groups to school children and Brentford fans across all generations it was fantastic to see so many people come together at the Community Stadium Hub “It was inspiring to be in the room and hear so many people share and celebrate different stories and journeys gaining a fresh perspective on the contributions of Black British people across society “If we don’t tell our own stories Hounslow Council has successfully prosecuted a resident for illegally renting out an outbuilding after it was discovered being advertised online for £1,300 per month in 2017 Thillakarani Ratnam of 43 Chatsworth Crescent was fined over £70,000 after a prolonged investigation led by Hounslow Council’s planning enforcement team.  Ratnam failed to comply with a planning enforcement notice that required her to cease use and remove all kitchen and bathroom facilities Further investigations in partnership with the Metropolitan Police confirmed the outbuilding was still occupied.   more than £20,000 in court costs and to repay £35,000 gained from the illegal rental. The council’s financial investigators were pivotal in uncovering the extent of gains from this illegal activity emphasising their resolve to tackle unscrupulous and illegal rental practices.   “This case highlights our commitment to upholding the law and protecting living standards in our communities It is clear that Hounslow Council will not tolerate housing practices that take advantage of vulnerable individuals and breach our planning regulations “We will take decisive action against illegal housing to ensure our residents live in safe and appropriate conditions.” Housing Additional licensing consultation underway Hounslow Council wants feedback from residents on the proposals to renew their borough wide additional licensing scheme which ends on 31 July 2025.  With around a third of residents living in the private rented sector across the borough the council acknowledge Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) are an important and much-needed source of accommodation the council also say HMOs can present serious risks of harm to the health and safety of tenants and persistent anti-social behaviour it will retain smaller HMOs within the scope of licensing This will include houses and flat shares occupied by 3 or 4 people We understand the scheme will also include so called ‘section 257 HMOs’ which are certain buildings converted into self-contained flats Since the introduction of additional HMO licensing in August 2020 Anyone can take part in the property licensing consultation on the council’s website Our free guide containing more information about property licensing and HMO planning restrictions in Hounslow is available here For all the latest news and events, you can sign up for the free London Property Licensing newsletter here Makeup artist Charlie Hounslow's family are raising money for treatment after she was diagnosed with glioblastoma Image: LB Hounslow’s garden waste collection is an optional service which is paid for Hounslow Council has opened the sign-up window for its annual garden waste collection service Hounslow residents can now renew or sign up for garden waste collections for 2025/2026 The Council collects green garden waste and leaf fall and turns the waste into high quality compost The service is an optional one for which residents have to pay – £75 for the year or £37.50 if you receive a Council Tax Reduction You can pay for a year or half-year subscription The Council collects garden waste every two weeks apart from two weeks during the Christmas and New Year period LB Hounslow has put the full price up by £10 since last year and the reduced price for those in receipt of the Council Tax Reduction up by £5 For a full year’s subscription paid full price A year subscription runs from 1 April to 31 March You need to sign up by 1 April each year to get a full 12-month subscription A half-year subscription runs from 29 September to 31 March Sign up or renew your subscription on LB Hounslow’s website here: Garden waste subscription the Council will deliver a brown 240L wheelie bin to your home If your property isn’t eligible for wheelie bins You cannot choose to have sacks instead of a wheelie bin They say they will deliver your bin or sacks within ten working days See also: Chiswick House offers affordable studios to artists READ ALSO: LB Hounslow to raise Council Tax and social rents by maximum while making £8.7m in cuts Conservative councillor for Chiswick Homefields ward but the implications of Hounslow Council’s budget on the lives of all of us who live in this borough are huge – and this year those implications will be much larger than usual From another big increase in council tax to one of the largest single cuts to council services we’ve seen in this borough there’s no way around it: Hounslow’s budget is going to be painful for all of us and most of that pain was largely avoidable There are a number of important changes being proposed in this year’s local budget Some will come as no surprise: the council intends to raise council tax by the maximum allowed (4.99%) which when factoring in Sadiq Khan’s increase in the mayoral precept This is particularly frustrating given the promise made by the Labour Party that council tax would be frozen in the first year of a Labour government but it’s hardly surprising anymore to discover that Starmer was a bit economical with the truth pre-election… The council is also proposing a series of £12 million worth of savings to its budget the largest Hounslow has seen in a long time (certainly since I’ve been a councillor) This is due to the council facing a financial blackhole of nearly £30 million this financial year with the remainder of the shortfall being made up by taking from the council’s reserves chest We’ll get on to why they’re facing this huge financial blackhole shortly but the impact of these cuts will be sorely felt The biggest single proposed cut is to the council tax support scheme which currently funds a council tax exemption for the lowest paid households in the borough The fund is being cut by £4 million and the formula for how people access the fund is being changed so that everyone The consultation for this change received just over 100 responses (out of potentially thousands who will be impacted by the scheme) which is a worrying indication that many may not be aware this change is coming we’ve raised this concern on countless occasions – if you’re going to hit people on low incomes with a large tax bill at least make sure they have time to plan for it The other large cut which will have a tangible impact on Chiswick is the proposed reduction in streetlighting which seems to be the council’s go-to scheme for cutting costs As Councillor Ron Mushiso has pointed out with his recent petition one of the council’s primary duties is to ensure residents are kept safe and further dimming (or in some cases completely shutting off) streetlights will achieve the opposite impact Councillors Gabriella Giles and Joanna Biddolph have consistently raised the issue of safety The council seems to think it hasn’t yet gone far enough in reducing lighting in Chiswick and the rest of the borough to the whole reason our borough is in this mess in the first place… the Chancellor has offered £550 million to help offset this impact so just the £1.3 billion left for cash-strapped councils to find… Inflation and the cost of borrowing also don’t help and of course a combination of global issues and the adverse market reaction to the autumn budget means the cost to councils to procure goods and services will be higher But the real kicker revealed in this local budget and one of the biggest single reasons we’re in this financial mess is the state of a council-owned company called Lampton Lampton is a group of companies established by Hounslow council in 2012 that deliver a range of services in the borough from housing maintenance to waste and recycling being a separate entity to the council yet wholly owned by the local authority in effect both outsourced services without the profit incentive and in-house services without the control This year’s budget papers show Lampton is on course to make a total loss of around £12 million – and due to its bizarre structure local council taxpayers will have to bail it out The council’s proposed £12 million worth of savings is wholly swallowed up by the losses made by Lampton so we are in effect losing frontline services ending council tax support for poorer residents and seeing a massive increase in council tax all to bail out this company Thanks to work done by my ward colleague Councillor John Todd we know that the council has appointed a shareholder committee comprising of the leader of the council to provide oversight and deliver value for money for the borough as the company slipped further into the red all but one of those scheduled committee meetings was cancelled and has found itself running into stormy waters as a result If the council can’t be bothered to turn up and oversee a company it wholly owns leading to the necessity of  a multi-million-pound bailout then what hope has the rest of the borough is that the proposed cheaper scheme involves moving control of the programme to replant trees to… Lampton It doesn’t take a business degree to work out why this would be an utter disaster for our local environment This year’s local government budget is set to be painful for almost all of us if the leader of the council had been doing his job Cllr Jack Emsley is a Conservative councillor representing Chiswick Homefields ward on Hounslow Council See also: LB Hounslow to raise Council Tax and social rents by maximum while making £8.7m in cuts