Have your say on Hounslow's strategy for future growth. Take part in our consultation about Hounslow's Local Plan.
Published: Wednesday, 11th September 2024
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. The consultation runs until Monday 28th October 2024, and this is the final opportunity for residents, businesses, 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, environmental, and economic needs of Hounslow’s growing community. By 2041, the Local Plan plans for the delivery of 28,800 new homes, ensuring more high-quality, affordable housing, particularly for those in need of social housing.
The plan also tackles the climate emergency by requiring new developments to be more sustainable and energy efficient. A carbon offset rate will be introduced, ensuring that new developments support the Council’s efforts to reduce emissions, contributing to Hounslow’s Climate Emergency Action Plan.
Economic growth is another key focus. The Local Plan will plan for the creation of over 20,000 new jobs, unlocking 55 hectares of land by supporting life blood industries such as aviation, especially near Heathrow Airport, and boosting 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, and support biodiversity. The plan prioritises the creation of greener urban areas while also protecting and improving public access to open spaces, including Green Belt land and Metropolitan Open Land.
Councillor Tom Bruce, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Assets, Regeneration and Development, said: “This Local Plan is crucial for Hounslow’s future. It sets out how we will deliver new homes, create jobs, tackle the climate emergency, and protect our green spaces. 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, view the consultation documents, and submit their responses.
After the consultation closes on 28th October, the Council will submit the Local Plan, along with all feedback, to the government. A Planning Inspector will then assess whether the plan meets the necessary standards. If approved, the Council will adopt the plan, which will guide future development and planning decisions across the borough.
To have your say and help shape Hounslow’s future, visit: talk.hounslow.gov.uk/local-plan-reg19