Foundations laid for Hounslow’s first council-owned homes for 20 years

Work is under way to create the first new council-owned housing in Hounslow for nearly 20 years.

Hounslow Council’s deputy leader, Councillor Ruth Cadbury, was on hand to lay a few bricks at one of the 19 new social rented council-owned homes currently being built at Elmwood Avenue in Feltham. The old Elmwood House and Olaf Palme House sites were demolished in November last year to make way for the new modern housing.

The development will consist of a range of one and two bedroom apartments and two, three, four and five bedroom houses, with two of the houses specifically designed for disabled residents. All homes will be built to high energy efficiency standards and meet level four of the Code for Sustainable Homes.

The development is part of Hounslow Council’s pledge to provide more affordable homes across the borough.

Hounslow Homes are working in partnership with the council overseeing the construction of the new housing by social housing contractor United House. It is expected to be completed before the end of the year. Once completed, the new council-owned homes will be available for social rent and managed by Hounslow Homes.

The plans for the site were supported by a grant of £1.9million from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

As well as new homes, the project will create apprenticeship placements for local residents.
Local Feltham residents were consulted on the designs for the scheme last year.

Cllr Ruth Cadbury, Hounslow’s deputy leader, responsible for housing and service improvement in the borough said: “The area has been completely transformed already, and hopefully the construction will continue to progress smoothly and provide modern, stylish, affordable housing to the Feltham area.

“These will be the first council-owned homes built in around 20 years, and we are never standing still in our quest to provide more affordable housing across Hounslow.”

Nick Taylor, head of area for North West London at the HCA, said: “This is a really significant scheme for both Hounslow and the HCA. Our funding has ensured that the borough can fulfil their pledge to provide much needed affordable housing. And with a large majority of family-sized homes being built, this development is also in line with HCA London and Mayoral priorities.”