The Planning Committee of Hounslow Council met on Thursday 6 August 2026 to discuss three significant planning applications. These included proposals for temporary event use at Gunnersbury Park, the redevelopment of 80-82 Staines Road, and outline planning permission for a data centre and work units at Haslemere Heathrow Estate.

Gunnersbury Park Event Use

The committee was scheduled to consider a proposal for a temporary change of use for areas of Gunnersbury Park for staging temporary events between 2027 and 2031. The application sought permission for up to 22 live event days per calendar year, with a total of 115 days including set-up, inactive, and removal days. The proposal also included the erection of associated temporary structures, fencing, and facilities. The report pack noted that the application was considered a major application with significant public interest.

Concerns raised during consultations included the long-term nature of the permission, potential harm to the park's openness, overdevelopment, and the applicant's track record of compliance. Objections also highlighted noise, anti-social behaviour, traffic congestion, and potential harm to heritage assets and Metropolitan Open Land. Supporters, however, pointed to the economic and cultural benefits, revenue generation, and the role of events in making the area a social and cultural hub. Historic England and the Garden Trust did not object but recommended safeguards for heritage assets, while Transport for London welcomed the amendments and requested early engagement for events.

The report indicated that the proposed event areas would occupy no more than 13% of the park's total area, and that most of the park would remain open to the public. Mitigation measures for noise, traffic, and ecology were detailed, and the proposal was considered to provide economic and cultural benefits to the borough and London.

Redevelopment of 80-82 Staines Road

The committee was scheduled to discuss a major scheme for the redevelopment of 80-82 Staines Road, which involved the demolition of the existing gymnasium and the erection of two apartment blocks of five and six storeys, along with a terrace of 13 townhouses. The proposal aimed to create 53 homes in total, comprising 18 one-bedroom and 22 two-bedroom flats, and nine three-bedroom and four four-bedroom townhouses.

A key aspect of the application was the absence of affordable housing, with viability evidence submitted to demonstrate that no affordable housing could be provided on-site or off-site. A review mechanism was to be secured through a legal agreement to capture affordable housing should viability circumstances change. The development was noted to be highly sustainable, achieving a minimum of 80% reduction in carbon emissions over Building Regulations Part L compliant baseline.

Concerns raised by neighbours included loss of light, overshadowing, loss of outlook, increased sense of enclosure, loss of privacy, inappropriate design, strain on local infrastructure, increased traffic, insufficient parking, and the loss of the gym as a community facility. Heathrow Airport and Historic England raised no objections, subject to conditions. The NHS London Healthy Urban Development Unit calculated a contribution of £36,742 towards primary healthcare infrastructure. Transport for London confirmed no further concerns after receiving updated submissions.

The report highlighted that the site was allocated in both the current and emerging Local Plans for redevelopment, with the emerging allocation targeting a 100% residential scheme. The principle of residential development was considered acceptable, with the loss of the gymnasium use justified by the site's allocation and the benefits of delivering much-needed housing.

Haslemere Heathrow Estate Redevelopment

The committee was scheduled to consider an outline planning application for the demolition and phased redevelopment of the Haslemere Heathrow Estate site. The proposal included a data centre use (Use Class B8) of up to 50,000 sqm GEA, with ancillary offices, plant, and a substation. Additionally, up to 4,150 sqm GEA of work units (Use Class E(g)(i-iii), B2, B8) were proposed, along with car parking, external plant, servicing areas, and associated infrastructure. All matters were reserved except for access.

The application was presented as a major development with a legal agreement, aiming to meet the demand for data centre capacity and provide work units for small to medium-sized businesses. The proposal was seen as an effective and policy-compliant use of a brownfield industrial site, optimising an under-utilised Locally Significant Industrial Site (LSIS). The report noted the potential to harness excess heat from the data centre for the future Hounslow District Heat Network.

Concerns raised by neighbours included electricity capacity and usage, regulated carbon emissions, noise and air quality impacts, biodiversity, visual amenity, traffic, and construction impacts. The Greater London Authority (GLA) advised that while broadly acceptable, the application did not fully comply with the London Plan regarding transport and sustainability, requesting further information and contributions. Transport for London requested contributions towards feasibility studies for pedestrian and cyclist improvements at key junctions.

The report detailed the proposed development parameters, including maximum building footprint, floorspace, height, and setbacks. The principle of the development was supported due to the site's LSIS designation and the need for digital infrastructure. The proposal was expected to create significant direct and indirect job opportunities and business rates. Conditions were recommended to control noise, air quality, and construction impacts, and a Section 106 agreement was to be negotiated to secure various contributions and provisions, including affordable workspace, transport improvements, and carbon offsetting.