By Megan Stanley

Residents of a West London village have said life "will change forever" if the council continues with plans to build an industrial estate right next door. Under Hounslow Council's Local Plan, within the next decade, there will be a huge industrial estate built next to Heathrow Airport and Bedfont village.

Despite being in the shadow of one of the busiest airports in the world, residents who live in Bedfont say they love the close community and rural feel of the village. The area has one of oldest churches in Hounslow, The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin dates from around 1150.

Clare Obeng, who has lived in the village for 17 years, says she bought her house because it reminds her of home. She said: "I'm originally from Devon and I just thought 'wow I'm right on the outskirts of London but I feel like I could be in a Devon village' despite the planes going overhead of course."

But, Bedfont locals claim their way of life is at risk if the council moves forward with plans to build a giant industrial estate on Hatton Fields. The 116-acre land is currently open fields, loved by locals for its wildlife and tranquillity.

Mother-of-two Ms Obeng said: "Bedfont's neighbour is Heathrow, one of the biggest airports in the world, and the counterbalance to that you can walk in this area and not feel like you are next to the busy airport. On this land, we've got horses, all that wildlife with grasses and beautiful flowers. Once that goes I will feel like I am living in the middle of an airport because it is bound to be warehouses and depots servicing Heathrow."

Hounslow Council are currently welcoming comments regarding changes made to the Local Plan, which was originally drawn up in 2015. Residents of Bedfront see this as another opportunity to express their dissatisfaction with the move to turn the greenspace into the Airport Business Park.

According to the Local Plan, the new industrial estate "will form a major new industrial area to support Hounslow's employment needs over the plan period, combining modern, high-density warehousing with high-quality infrastructure". But locals are not convinced that is the case because these plans were first drawn up eight years ago.

Ms Obeng said: "Is there really a need now? In 2015 there might have been, but we have had Brexit since then, we've had an economic crisis, we've got the war in Europe, and we've got different trade agreements. Is it really needed when we've got empty units on brownfield sites that could be redeveloped?"

The climate crisis is also a worry for residents who fear the loss of greenspace will increase the risk of flooding. Ms Obeng said: "It is doing a great job at absorbing all the water from the recent rainfall but even still there are several roads with standing water. People who have lived here much longer than me are saying they haven't seen this much water in years, and that's not going to get better."

According to the Local Plan document, environmental concerns have now been taken into consideration. The report reads: "Development must ensure any significant adverse impact on biodiversity is avoided, mitigated, or as a last resort."

If the council does move forward and build the estate, Ms Obeng says she would consider leaving the area for good. She said: "I bought my house thinking the fields would always be there, it's a buffer between us and the airport.

"My kids are 17 and 12, I'd seriously think of leaving once they fly the nest and decide where they want to be. I think a lot of people would leave because there's been a lot of change.

"It is very much a house and gardens area, with lots of families, but we've already seen an increase in flat developments. We all know there is a housing crisis and I think people in Bedfont understand that but an industrial park? I think that would tip it over the edge.

"It would be like we are living inside the airport. No one has signed up for that. We don't want it, we want it to be re-assessed and properly looked at so the community's opinions are considered."

In the introduction to the plan for the borough, former Hounslow Council leader Steve Curran writes: "The [Local Plan] is highly aspirational and positive, seeking to drive forward real change for the area and the Borough. There are challenges and difficult decisions and debates, particularly through promoting development.

"The release of some green belt land, in particular, will be a contentious issue. However, I believe that if the Council is to achieve its regeneration ambitions for the wider benefit of the Borough's residents and businesses, these difficult decisions need to be made."

Ms Obeng is keen to get as many locals to share their thoughts with the council. The consultation is open until November 16, with residents allowed to submit their thoughts on the new changes to the local plan.

Cllr Tom Bruce, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Development said:

"We are committed to delivering regeneration across the borough, providing quality homes for residents, unlocking new job opportunities, and creating well-designed public spaces where communities can thrive. real change for residents and businesses.

"Hounslow was disproportionately affected by the pandemic, which saw the local economy contract by 11.3% in 2020 alone and thousands of residents furloughed or unemployed. Our plans in the west Borough will help revitalise our local economy – ensuring our residents and businesses can grow and flourish.

"We have been extensively consulting and engaging with residents on these development plans since 2015. The plans have adapted over the course of time and been amended, where appropriate, based on resident and other stakeholder feedback.

"We understand some resident have concerns about this development and will be meeting them next week to continue the discussion and hear directly from them. This is part of our ambition to be a listening Council, that ensures we create future neighbourhoods and deliver services that work for everyone."