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Weekly updates

Hounslow rejects Domino's licence, autism support prioritised

This week in Hounslow:

Domino's Pizza Licence Rejected After Resident Uproar

The Licensing Panel has rejected an application from Delmon Pizza Ltd, trading as Domino's Pizza, for a late-night refreshment licence at its Chiswick High Road branch. The meeting is available here. The decision follows strong opposition from local residents and Councillor John Todd, who cited concerns about noise, traffic, and antisocial behaviour.

  • The application sought permission to provide late-night refreshment between 11 PM and 1 AM, Monday to Sunday.
  • Residents argued that extended hours would increase noise from delivery vehicles and customers, disrupting their sleep.
  • Concerns were raised about increased traffic and potential risks to pedestrians and cyclists.
  • Existing issues with Domino's delivery drivers, including speeding and using residential streets as toilets, were highlighted.

The Licensing Panel's decision reflects the council's commitment to balancing the needs of businesses with the concerns of residents, particularly regarding public nuisance and safety. The decision may be seen as a victory for residents who voiced their concerns and actively participated in the licensing process.

Council Pension Fund Faces Scrutiny Over Investment Strategy and Risk Management

The Pension Board convened to discuss key aspects of the fund's management, performance, and compliance. The meeting is available here. The agenda included reviewing the Pension Board's forward plan, monitoring reports, administration performance, and compliance with regulatory standards. Additionally, the board was expected to discuss the draft annual report and consider its annual work programme.

  • The board reviewed the proposed work programme for 2025/26, outlining key activities and areas of focus.
  • Key monitoring aspects of the pension fund were discussed, including breaches and late payments, an update on the Pensions Dashboard Programme1, and proposed changes to the LGPS2 in the MHCLG consultation.
  • The board assessed the fund's compliance with the TPR General Code of Practice, reviewing completed modules of the code compliance toolkit.
  • Progress on compliance with the good governance guide and investment review (pooling) requirements was noted.

The discussions highlight the importance of effective risk management and compliance in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the pension fund, which provides retirement benefits for local government workers in Hounslow.

Health Board Prioritises Autism Support and Carer Services

The Hounslow Health and Wellbeing Board met to discuss key strategic plans and initiatives aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of residents. The meeting is available here. Key topics included the All Age Autism Strategic Plan, the Adult Social Care (ASC) Carers Service, and the Healthwatch Hounslow Annual Report.

  • The board discussed the All Age Autism Strategic Plan, co-produced by Autism Hounslow and Hounslow Council, which sets out Hounslow's offer to autistic people and their families.
  • The new Adult Social Care Carers Service model was discussed, with the principal aims of proactively identifying and recognising unpaid carers, and offering them timely and relevant information and advice.
  • The Healthwatch Hounslow Annual Report 2024–2025 was noted, highlighting that Healthwatch Hounslow supported more than 5,000 people to have their say and get information about their care.

The discussions reflect the council's commitment to supporting vulnerable groups, including autistic individuals and unpaid carers, and ensuring that their voices are heard in the planning and delivery of health and social care services.

Other Matters

  • The Audit and Governance Committee discussed risk management, treasury management, the annual governance statement, internal audit, and the council's draft statement of accounts. The meeting is available here.
  • The Brentford and Syon Area Forum met to discuss community focus groups and the Thriving Communities Fund, as well as the opportunity for residents to ask questions. The meeting is available here.
  • The Central Hounslow Area Forum met to discuss community support initiatives, and provide a platform for public questions. The meeting is available here.
  • A Cabinet Member Single Member Decision was published. The meeting is available here. No video was provided.

Upcoming Meetings

  1. The Pensions Dashboard is a digital interface designed to allow individuals to view all of their pension information in one place. ↩

  2. The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) is a public sector pension scheme for local government workers in England and Wales. ↩

Hounslow: Dog Fouling Fines, School Budget Strain, & Licensing

This week in Hounslow:

Dog Fouling Divides Opinion: Council Approves New Enforcement Measures

The Cabinet has approved the London Borough of Hounslow Responsible Dog Ownership Public Spaces Protection Order 2025 (PSPO), set to take effect from 30 September 2025 for three years. The meeting is available here. This decision follows a public consultation that revealed strong opinions on both sides, with 69% supporting the PSPO and 20% against it. The PSPO aims to curb antisocial behaviour related to dogs, addressing concerns about dog fouling and safety in public spaces.

  • The PSPO introduces prohibitions in 'dog exclusion' areas like playgrounds, 'dogs on leads only' zones, and empowers officers to require dogs to be leashed.
  • It limits the number of dogs one person can walk to four and mandates carrying poop scoop bags.
  • Critics worry about the impact on responsible dog owners and the potential for over-enforcement.
  • Supporters argue it's a necessary step to maintain clean and safe public spaces for everyone.

Councillor Salman Shaheen, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Public Spaces, emphasized the need for responsible dog ownership to preserve the borough's parks and public spaces.

Schools Face Financial Strain: Forum Discusses Budget Overspend and Support for Pupils with SEND

The Schools Forum met to address critical financial challenges and discuss support for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The meeting is available here. The forum reviewed the 2024/25 budget outturn, revealing a significant overspend of £14.8 million in the general fund, impacting various council services.

  • The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) showed a smaller underspend than budgeted, but the high needs DSG reserve still faces a substantial deficit.
  • The forum discussed school balances, identifying schools with deficits and excess balances, with potential clawbacks for those exceeding the limit for three consecutive years.
  • A new One Hounslow Banded Funding Model for SEND support was presented, aiming to provide equitable funding across mainstream and special schools.

The financial pressures on schools could lead to cuts in essential services and resources, disproportionately affecting vulnerable students. The new SEND funding model aims to address these challenges by ensuring that pupils receive the support they need, regardless of their school setting.

Licensing Policy Under Review: Balancing Business Needs with Community Concerns

The Licensing & General Purposes Committee met to discuss proposed changes to the Hounslow Statement of Licensing Policy 2020-2025. The meeting is available here. The committee is considering whether to retain, modify, or remove the cumulative impact area1, based on updated research and public consultation.

  • The updated policy aims to be more concise and locally focused, integrating licensing with other council policies like the Local Plan and Community Safety Strategy.
  • The committee reviewed the existing Cumulative Impact Assessment Research report, which covers Hounslow Town centre, Heston, and Cranford.
  • Public consultation results showed overall support for the revised policy, but opinions were divided on the continuation of the Cumulative Impact Assessment.

The decisions made by the committee will shape the future of licensing in Hounslow, balancing the needs of businesses with the concerns of residents about crime, disorder, and public nuisance.

Other Matters

  • The Cabinet discussed the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, school organisation, children's care, the council's financial strategy, and extra care housing. The meeting is available here.
  • The Bedfont and Feltham Area Forum met to discuss community safety, local action plans, and a petition requesting CCTV in Bedfont North. The meeting is available here.
  • The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education met. No video was provided. The meeting is available here.

Upcoming Meetings

  1. A cumulative impact area is a designated zone where the concentration of licensed premises is believed to be negatively affecting the licensing objectives. ↩

Hounslow debates late-night Domino's & new dog control orders

This week in Hounslow:

Domino's Pizza Faces Late-Night Licence Challenge Amid Resident Concerns

The Licensing Panel is set to decide on a new premises licence application for a Domino's Pizza branch on Chiswick High Road, with a decision due on Tuesday 15 July 2025. The meeting is available here. The application seeks permission to provide late-night refreshment services, but has drawn significant opposition from local residents and Councillor John Todd, raising concerns about public nuisance, safety, and potential crime and disorder.

  • Delmon Pizza Ltd, trading as Domino's Pizza, is applying for a licence to provide late-night refreshment between 11 PM and 1 AM, Monday to Sunday.
  • Residents fear increased noise from delivery vehicles and customers, disturbing their sleep.
  • Concerns have been raised about increased traffic at later hours, posing a risk to pedestrians and cyclists.
  • Some residents fear that late-night operation could increase antisocial behaviour and loitering.
  • Existing issues with Domino's delivery drivers, including speeding and using residential streets as toilets, have been highlighted.

The council has received 23 representations from local residents and Councillor Todd objecting to the application. One resident stated that:

Extending operating hours will likely increase late-night noise, with delivery vehicles (cars and bikes), customer footfall, and voices contributing to a significant disruption. Noise from engines, car doors, and people congregating near the premises or while waiting for deliveries will adversely affect residents' ability to rest.

The Licensing Panel must consider these representations alongside the applicant's proposals and the Hounslow Licensing Policy when making their decision. The Licensing Policy states that later hours may be considered if the applicant can demonstrate that they have put in place robust measures to mitigate any risks to the licensing objectives1.

Extra Care Housing Scheme Proposed for Hanworth Village

The Cabinet is set to discuss a report about the proposed development of an extra care housing scheme at Nene Gardens in Hanworth Village on Tuesday 8 July 2025. The meeting is available here. The scheme aims to provide affordable, socially rented extra care units to help adults with social care needs live independently for longer.

  • The scheme is intended to provide approximately 50 affordable, socially rented extra care units.
  • Hounslow currently has four extra care schemes, all of which are operating at full capacity.
  • The scheme is expected to be delivered in Q4 2028/29, and is projected to deliver a £494,000 financial benefit in 2028/29, and £1.93m in 2029/30 and ongoing.

The Cabinet will be asked to approve the development, a capital budget, steps to dispose of the land, a nominations agreement with a Registered Provider2, and the procurement of a care and support contract.

Dog Control Measures Proposed to Tackle Anti-Social Behaviour

The Cabinet will also consider implementing a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) across the borough to address anti-social behaviour related to dogs on Tuesday 8 July 2025. The meeting is available here. The proposed order, called the London Borough of Hounslow Responsible Dog Ownership Public Spaces Protection Order 2025, is intended to last for three years, and would take effect from 30 September 2025.

  • The proposed PSPO would include prohibitions relating to dog exclusion areas, dogs on leads, dog fouling, and a requirement to have a 'poop scoop and/or disposable bags'.
  • Commercial dog walkers would be prohibited from Brent Lea Recreation Ground and Stamford Brook Common Recreation Ground.
  • Breaching the order could lead to a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £100, and a fine of up to £1,000 upon prosecution.

Other Matters

  • The Schools Forum is scheduled to discuss the 2025/26 High Needs budget, school balances, and updates to the Scheme for Financing Schools on Monday 7 July 2025. The meeting is available here.
  • The Cabinet is scheduled to discuss the council's financial strategy, equality, diversity and inclusion, school organisation, and children's home-based care on Tuesday 8 July 2025. The meeting is available here.
  • The Licensing & General Purposes Committee will meet to discuss the proposed changes to the Hounslow Statement of Licensing Policy 2020 to 2025 on Tuesday 8 July 2025. The meeting is available here.

Upcoming Meetings

  1. The licensing objectives are: the prevention of crime and disorder; public safety; the prevention of public nuisance; and the protection of children from harm. ↩

  2. A Registered Provider is a social housing provider registered with the Regulator of Social Housing. ↩

Hounslow News: Ice Cream Stall Sparks School Safety Concerns

This week in Hounslow:

Ice Cream Vendor Sparks Controversy Outside School

Hounslow Council's Licensing Panel met to discuss a street trading licence application for Non Solo Gelato, seeking to sell ice cream outside Strand on the Green School in Chiswick. The meeting is available here. The application has drawn significant opposition from parents and local residents, raising concerns about children's health, safety, and financial pressures on families.

  • The vendor, Mr. Michele Detomaso, requested permission to operate a bicycle ice cream stall on weekdays from 3 PM to 6 PM for six months.
  • The proposed location is directly outside the school, leading to concerns about promoting unhealthy eating habits and undermining the school's efforts as a designated Healthy School.
  • Objectors cited safety issues due to the stall's proximity to a zebra crossing and the busy Thames Road, potentially causing congestion and unsafe pedestrian movement.
  • Parents expressed feeling pressured to buy ice cream for their children, creating a financial burden, especially for families eligible for Pupil Premium.
  • One mother of an autistic child shared the challenges of navigating the stall, stating that her daughter often has meltdowns if she can't have ice cream, sometimes requiring assistance from other parents to move her away from the cart and the road.
  • Councillor Amy Croft also objected to the location, citing concerns from parents and the council's commitment to promoting healthy living.

One parent asked:

Is there any bribery stuff going on with this ice cream guy? Why are you letting such business operate on near school while parents don't want?

The panel will now decide whether to grant or reject the application, considering the objections and the council's Licensing Policy, which requires applicants to demonstrate an understanding of the local area and promote licensing objectives1. The decision is final, with no right of appeal.

Area Forum Discusses Community Health and Youth Engagement

The Hounslow South, Isleworth and Osterley & Spring Grove Area Forum met to discuss community health, youth engagement, and local issues. The meeting is available here.

  • The forum discussed statistics indicating higher rates of smoking, depression, anxiety, and obesity in the local wards compared to the Hounslow average.
  • Kelly O'Neill, Director of Public Health and Public Health Improvement, noted that the higher smoking levels were unexpected and may require specific anti-smoking measures.
  • A resident questioned why planning permission is granted for fast food outlets and vape shops, given the health concerns.
  • The forum also heard from students from Isleworth and Syon School for Boys, Shahyahan Akbar and Ollie O'Connor, who challenged negative stereotypes associated with young people and highlighted their community involvement.
  • Students attributed the perception of mistrust to a lack of interaction between older and younger people and the impact of social media.
  • Ollie O'Connor suggested that offering youth clubs with socialising opportunities would positively impact young people and make communities feel safer.

Health and Adults Care Scrutiny Panel Focuses on Process and Terms

The Health and Adults Care Scrutiny Panel met to discuss panel processes, ways of working, and to develop terms of reference. The meeting is available here.

  • The panel discussed their processes and ways of working.
  • The panel also discussed and developed their terms of reference.
  • The agenda included reminders about declaring interests, referencing the Council's Constitution and the Monitoring Officer's note.

Other Matters

  • The Heston and Cranford Area Forum is scheduled to meet on Monday, 30 June 2025, preceded by an informal networking event. During the meeting, attendees will be able to discuss local topics and voice their concerns to councillors. The forum will also include a community spotlight presentation from Heston in the Community.

Upcoming Meetings

  1. The four licensing objectives are the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. ↩

Hounslow Council Overspends, Housing Complaints Surge

This week in Hounslow:

Council Overspends by Millions, Cites Perfect Storm of Rising Costs and Demand

Hounslow Council's Cabinet met to discuss the 2024/25 budget outturn, revealing a £14.8 million overspend in the General Fund and a £1.3 million overspend in the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). The meeting is available here.

  • Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of the Council, attributed the overspend to a perfect storm of increasing demand and costs, a challenge faced by local governments nationwide.
  • Councillor Peter Thompson, Leader of the Opposition, voiced concerns about the overspend, the use of reserves, and losses incurred by council-owned companies like the Lampton Group.
  • The Cabinet approved the allocation of £3.6 million from the Household Support Fund, which provides crucial assistance to vulnerable residents struggling with the cost of living.

The overspend raises concerns about the council's financial stability and its ability to maintain essential services for residents, particularly those most in need. The use of reserves to cover the deficit could limit the council's ability to respond to future financial challenges.

Housing Complaints Surge, Council Promises Improvements

The Cabinet also reviewed the Annual Housing Landlord Complaints Performance and Service Improvements report, which highlighted a 68% increase in complaints. The meeting is available here.

  • Councillor Sue Sampson, Cabinet Member for Housing Management and Homelessness, acknowledged the significant impact of the increased complaints on performance.
  • Common complaints included poor customer service, dissatisfaction with repairs, delays in completing repairs, and lack of communication.
  • Councillor Sampson assured the Cabinet that an end-to-end review of the housing service had been carried out, leading to greater confidence in future improvements.

We have carried out that end to end review of the whole service, which has left us with greater confidence that this is going to work, said Councillor Sampson.

The surge in housing complaints underscores the challenges faced by the council in providing adequate housing services to its tenants. The council's commitment to addressing these issues and implementing service improvements is crucial to ensuring the well-being of its residents.

Licensing Panel to Decide on Restaurant's Late-Night Bid Amid Noise Concerns

The Licensing Panel met to consider an application from IL Bebo's Restaurant, located at 62 Staines Road, for a variation of its premises licence. The meeting is available here.

  • The restaurant sought to extend its hours for serving alcohol, playing recorded music, and offering late-night refreshment until 2 AM on Sundays to Thursdays and 3 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.
  • Charlie Hennessy, the Licensing Enforcement Officer, objected to the application, citing concerns about potential public nuisance and crime and disorder, given the restaurant's location within a cumulative impact policy area1.
  • Mr. Hennessy suggested significantly reduced hours, and additional conditions to mitigate potential negative impacts on the community.

The Licensing Panel will now decide whether to grant the application in full, grant it with modifications, or reject it. The decision will have a direct impact on the restaurant's business and the surrounding community, particularly residents concerned about noise and disturbance.

Other Matters

  • The Pension Fund Panel discussed the fund's business plan, investment performance, administration, and risk management. The meeting is available here.
  • The Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel discussed ways of working, and decided to investigate school attendance for their deep dive investigation. The meeting is available here.
  • The Housing and Environment Scrutiny Panel received an update on the work of Hounslow Highways, focusing on flooding, Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS)2, and ongoing works. The meeting is available here.
  • The Licensing Panel considered a variation to a premises licence, as well as to review internal procedures and policies. The meeting is available here.
  • The zzTestUpgradeto1506.9 meeting was scheduled to discuss planning applications. The meeting is available here. No video was provided.

Upcoming Meetings

  1. A cumulative impact policy (CIP) is put in place by a licensing authority when the number of licensed premises in an area is having a negative impact on the licensing objectives. When a CIP is in place, there is a presumption that applications for new licences or variations to existing licences will be refused if relevant representations are received. ↩

  2. Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) are designed to manage surface water runoff in a way that mimics natural processes. ↩

Recent meetings
Licensing Panel

Temporary Event, Licensing Panel - Wednesday, 23 July 2025 7:30 pm, WITHDRAWN

The Licensing Panel is scheduled to convene to consider a report on an application for a temporary event notice, and to review guidance on declaring interests. The panel will also appoint a chair for the meeting.

July 23, 2025
Borough Council

Borough Council - Tuesday, 22 July 2025 7:30 pm

Here is a summary of the topics that Hounslow Borough Council were scheduled to discuss at their meeting on 22 July 2025, according to the agenda and associated reports. The meeting was scheduled to cover a range of topics, including licensing, scrutiny, and a motion regarding waste.

July 22, 2025
Hanworth Area Forum

Hanworth Area Forum - Monday, 21 July 2025 7:30 pm

The Hanworth Area Forum met on 21 July 2025, with a report pack including discussion of an e-bike parking bay, updates on actions, and an open forum for residents. The meeting was scheduled to include a market place event before the formal meeting.

July 21, 2025
Central Hounslow Area Forum

Central Hounslow Area Forum - Thursday, 17 July 2025 7:30 pm

The Central Hounslow Area Forum was scheduled to meet to discuss community support initiatives, receive updates, and provide a platform for public questions. The meeting was due to include community spotlights from the Hounslow Methodist Church and the Shaw Trust, as well as an open forum for questions from the public.

July 17, 2025
Pension Board

Pension Board - Wednesday, 16 July 2025 5:00 pm

The Hounslow Council Pension Board was scheduled to meet on 16 July 2025 to discuss the Pension Board's forward plan, review fund administration performance, and assess compliance with the Pensions Regulator's General Code of Practice, among other items. The meeting was also scheduled to include a review of the draft annual report of the board.

July 16, 2025
Audit and Governance Committee

Audit and Governance Committee - Tuesday, 15 July 2025 7:00 pm

Here is a summary of the scheduled discussions for the Hounslow Council Audit and Governance Committee meeting on 15 July 2025.

July 15, 2025
Licensing Panel POSTPONED

Licensing Panel - Tuesday, 15 July 2025 7:30 pm

This meeting has been postponed.

July 15, 2025
Brentford and Syon Area Forum

Brentford and Syon Area Forum - Monday, 14 July 2025 7:30 pm

The Brentford and Syon Area Forum met on 14 July 2025, according to the agenda. The meeting included presentations on community focus groups and the Thriving Communities Fund, as well as the opportunity for residents to ask questions. Councillors were also expected to provide ward updates.

July 14, 2025
Hounslow Health and Wellbeing Board

Hounslow Health and Wellbeing Board - Monday, 14 July 2025 4:00 pm

The Hounslow Health and Wellbeing Board met to discuss the Healthwatch Hounslow annual report, the Health and Wellbeing Strategy progress, the Better Care Fund update, the Autism and Carers plans, and the Vision 2050 project. The board also scheduled time to discuss the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment, the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment, and National Health Service updates.

July 14, 2025
Bedfont and Feltham Area Forum

Bedfont and Feltham Area Forum - Thursday, 10 July 2025 7:30 pm

The Bedfont and Feltham Area Forum met to discuss community safety, local action plans, and to hear from local community groups. The forum was also scheduled to discuss a petition requesting CCTV in Bedfont North. The meeting was preceded by an informal market place where residents could visit stalls from council services and community groups.

July 10, 2025
Upcoming meetings
Licensing Panel

Everyday Fruits and Veggies, Licensing Panel - Monday, 28 July 2025 7:30 pm

July 28, 2025
Cabinet Member Single Member Decision POSTPONED

Cabinet Member Single Member Decision - Thursday, 31 July 2025 12:00 pm

July 31, 2025
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Hounslow Community Safety Partnership Board - Thursday, 31 July 2025 2:00 pm

July 31, 2025
Publishable Officer Decisions

Publishable Officer Decisions - Thursday, 31 July 2025 12:00 pm

July 31, 2025
Licensing Panel

Licensing Panel - Tuesday, 5 August 2025 7:30 pm

August 05, 2025
Planning Committee

Planning Committee - Thursday, 7 August 2025 7:00 pm

August 07, 2025