Hounslow Council Cabinet have approved the decision to withdraw the present Local Plan and work towards a new one. 

The government have set a deadline of 31st December 2026 for each council to have a Local Plan in place to outline their vision for the future and policies for housing, businesses and infrastructure in the borough over the next 15 years as well as the protection of our heritage assets and the natural environment. 

The Cabinet decided that the swiftest and most efficient way forward to completing their Local Plan is to use the work already done on the Local Plan Review to help create a new, more up-to-date version. 

Councillor Tom Bruce, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Development at Hounslow Council, said: "Development plans and planning policies have a considerable impact on our local communities and our updated approach to delivering a new Local Plan will ensure residents, businesses and communities will benefit for these plans for many years to come.  

"We have recognised the comments made by the Planning Inspectorate and residents during the various consultations - this feedback will form the basis of our new local plan. 

"Recognising residents' voices is part of our ambition to be a listening Council; delivering services that work for everyone." 

After submitting their initial Local Plan for examination in late 2022, a review found potential legal and procedural issues with that plan and the Cabinet have now decided to update the 2015 Local Plan. 

A public consultation on this Local Plan is expected to take place in late 2023 prior to the plan being re-submitted for independent examination.