More accessible train stations, new facilities for parks and green spaces, improved connectivity between communities, unlocked investment opportunities, employment and training and financial boost for historic buildings all part of package announced by Hounslow Councillors.
Published: Wednesday, 21st February 2024
Hounslow’s infrastructure is set to get a multi-million pound injection to help improve the lives and livelihoods of residents and businesses across the borough, while at the same time bolstering the sustainability and accessibility of our built and natural environment.
In total, 43 projects will receive £8m funding from developer contributions, ranging from £1.6m towards the cost of adding 26 affordable housing units to a development in Cranford to £6,762 for path resurfacing in Lampton Park.
Other key highlights include:
- £1.6m for community parks and open spaces projects, including funding for children’s play facilities, a new community café alongside other improvements in Lampton Park, improving local access to the River Crane, and landscaping of Feltham Lodge Gardens to offer outdoor weddings.
- £2.5m investment in sustainable travel initiatives, including £1m towards the Priority Cycle Route from Southall to Cranford as well as design work for the Priority Cycle Route from Hounslow Town Centre to Hounslow West via Bath Road; £300,000 for improvements in accessibility to 17 local rail and underground stations, opening up more travel options to people with disabilities; and public realm improvements
- £677k in climate change initiatives, including the installation of solar panels on seven sheltered housing schemes to help decarbonise our buildings
- £691k in employment and training initiatives, including supporting Hounslow’s flagship youth skills policy, Youth Skills & Employment Guarantee to help give young people better life chances
- £2.1m in affordable housing, including contributing towards the cost of developing 26 affordable housing units at Clement Court, and 55 affordable units as part of Chiswick Health centre. This is in addition to 532 affordable homes agreed with developers and secured through Section 106 planning obligations in 2022/23.
The investment package is funded from two sources, namely the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and revenue from a scheme under planning legislation, a planning obligation known as a “Section 106” agreement. Both are paid by developers to local authorities:
- CIL is the main way in which the Council collects contributions from developers for infrastructure provision to support growth and development in the borough;
- S106 agreements are specific to developments, and contributions are agreed to mitigate the impact on local infrastructure and public services caused by developments in an area.
Speaking after Cabinet, Cllr Tom Bruce, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Development, said:
Our investment in local infrastructure and improvement projects represents a bold step towards sustainable growth and development in Hounslow. By utilising developer contributions, we're able to enhance accessibility, bolster environmental sustainability, and improve the overall quality of life for our residents and businesses. This multi-million pound injection will not only fund crucial initiatives such as affordable housing, sustainable travel, and climate change mitigation but also unlock investment opportunities and provide vital support for our historic buildings. Through strategic allocation of resources from the Community Infrastructure Levy and Section 106 agreements, we're paving the way for a brighter and more resilient future for our borough.
