Hounslow Council’s latest Cabinet meeting has marked a significant milestone for community enhancement and economic growth across the borough.
Published: Thursday, 13th February 2025
On Tuesday, 11 February, the Cabinet approved the ‘Infrastructure Funding Statement’, which sets out how and where Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and S106 funding has been collected and spent across the brough.
In addition, Cabinet approved allocation of nearly £10 million from the strategic CIL to vital infrastructure projects within the Capital Programme.
An additional almost £2 million will fund projects spearheaded by external partners, demonstrating the Council's commitment to robust community development.
The CIL funds – collected from new developments in Hounslow - are crucial as they support a range of projects that directly impact local life and improve accessibility and amenities for residents.
Key initiatives include strategic Rail Accessibility Improvements, development of Priority Cycle Routes 6 and 7, and the Cedar Yards Community and Creative Campus. Other enhancements include garden landscaping at Feltham Lodge and significant upgrades to local areas like Chiswick House Cricket Square and playgrounds at Feltham Green, Crane Park, and Bear Recreation Ground.
Cllr Tom Bruce, Cabinet Member for Assets, Regeneration and Development, emphasised the direct benefits of these investments. He said,
"These are tangible, 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. Additionally, these projects make Hounslow more attractive to further investment, creating a virtuous cycle of growth, job creation, and sustained high-quality living environments which is part of our wider Opportunity Hounslow Business Case for Growth."
The Cabinet also moved to protect Hounslow’s local heritage and business landscape. Measures include withdrawing ‘permitted development’ rights for commercial, business, and service uses to change to residential in specified areas – now requiring these changes to be subject to the planning application process to safeguard the borough's economic and cultural vitality and ensure that housing developments are of a high standard.
Moreover, a newly revised Local List of Heritage Assets has been adopted, reflecting the community’s commitment to preserving its rich historical fabric, updated with diverse entries from the 2024 nomination process.
Cllr Bruce added,
“These steps underscore Hounslow’s unique blend of business and culture, enhancing our local identity and sense of place while supporting the growth of creative industries. Protecting our economic base and cultural heritage and ensuring that new residential developments are of a high standard is essential for building a prosperous future for all of Hounslow’s residents.”
For more information on planning policy visit our webpage.
