The Cabinet of Hammersmith and Fulham Council met on Monday 13 October 2025, approving the drawdown of over £22 million in planning obligation funds for community benefits and authorising public consultation on a revised Local Plan. The meeting also saw the approval of a £679.8 million capital programme for 2025-2029, including additional investment and borrowing.

Funding Community Benefits Through Planning Obligations

The council approved the drawdown of £22,413,499 in Section 106 agreements and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds for the 2024/25 financial year. This funding will be used for a wide range of community benefits across the borough, representing a record amount raised by the council from developers. Councillor Andrew Jones, Cabinet Member for the Economy, highlighted that these funds would support projects such as the new Civic Campus development in King Street, Hammersmith, the Law Enforcement Team to enhance safety and tackle anti-social behaviour, the innovative gangs unit, the construction of genuinely affordable housing in areas like Fulham and the north of the borough, and investments in climate change mitigation and flood risk reduction. Councillor Rowan Ree, Cabinet Member for Finance and Reform, emphasised that this achievement was made despite a challenging economic environment.

During the discussion, Councillor Adronie Alford, a member of the Opposition, inquired about additional funds allocated to the Civic Campus, asking if it was planned or due to an overspend. Leader Stephen Cowan explained that while the council had always intended to create flexible office space for entrepreneurs, there had been cost overruns due to factors like Brexit and the pandemic. However, he stated that the scheme was projected to pay for itself within 15 years through income generation. Councillor Alford also raised concerns about delays related to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation following an on-site accident. The Leader confirmed that the HSE investigation had caused a year-long delay but that the project was back on track for an opening early next year. The Leader also reflected on the administration's efforts since 2014 to improve negotiations with private developers, leading to significant financial gains that have supported initiatives such as the Lyric Theatre, the H&F Foodbank, and increased council-funded police officers.

Local Plan Review - Regulation 18 Public Consultation

The Cabinet approved the draft Local Plan for public consultation under Regulation 18 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012. This marks the first stage of the Local Plan review process, allowing the public and stakeholders to provide feedback on the draft plan, which sets the policy framework for the borough's development over the next 10 to 15 years. Councillor Andrew Jones explained that the plan supports the government's ambition to build 1.5 million new homes and addresses key issues such as the future of high streets and climate change.

Councillor Adronie Alford questioned the feasibility and cost of a proposed tunnel to replace the Hammersmith Flyover and its potential impact on the reopening of Hammersmith Bridge. The Leader clarified that the tunnel and the bridge are separate issues. He stated that £47 million had already been spent to prevent Hammersmith Bridge from collapsing, with the estimated total restoration cost of £300 million being a matter for central government. Regarding the tunnel, he suggested it could reclaim significant land, with profits funding the project, but this would require collaboration with the Mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL). Councillor Wesley Harcourt highlighted the plan's importance for the council's climate change agenda, noting advancements in technology. The Leader further elaborated on the council's vision for a campus borough focused on entrepreneurship and innovation, supported by affordable office space, housing, and green spaces, as outlined in the Upstream London economic plan.

The Cabinet also approved delegated authority to the Director of Planning and Property, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for the Economy, to make minor editorial amendments to the appendices before consultation. Additionally, the revised Local Development Scheme and the updated Statement of Community Involvement were approved for adoption.

Capital Programme Monitor and Budget Variations 2025/26 (Quarter 1)

The Cabinet noted the overall forecast capital expenditure of £280.7 million for 2025/26, representing a net increase of £13.4 million from the revised budget. A total additional investment of £105.2 million was approved across the revised four-year programme, including new borrowing, bringing the total four-year capital programme to £679.8 million. Councillor Rowan Ree, Cabinet Member for Finance and Reform, detailed that this investment would cover improvements to the council's housing stock, the public realm, transport infrastructure, schools, and the borough's CCTV network.

Councillor Adronie Alford expressed concerns about potential over-borrowing given the current economic climate. Councillor Ree explained that borrowing had largely been internal over the past four years due to high interest rates, and that the council closely monitors interest rates to ensure borrowing is undertaken at favourable times. He also noted that borrowing for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) from the Public Works Loan Board receives a discounted rate, with a 0.6% difference compared to borrowing for the general fund. The Leader reassured councillors that the council's financial management, including ruthless efficiency and tough negotiations, ensured borrowing remained controlled and that the council aimed to be one of the most financially well-run authorities in the country.