Feltham and Heston MP Seema Malhotra has today called upon Hounslow Council to pause development on Sparrow Farm Drive community centre and re-think the project with the local community.  

The Council are the current owners of the site and the proposal intends to deliver 28 flats as well as redevelop the existing community centre. Hounslow’s Planning Committee approved the proposal in September despite a reduction in the size of the community facilities. The MP is also concerned that plans contradict the positive intentions stated in the Hounslow Local Plan.    

Seema Malhotra, MP for Feltham and Heston who wrote to the Planning Committee at the time of the decision said, “I continue to believe very strongly that the current proposal will have a detrimental impact on the local community spirit. The Council is right to tackle the housing crisis we face and has shown a lead across Hounslow. Building homes must also planned alongside how we build and strengthen community engagement. The way to do this may be different in different areas. I have been to packed children’s Easter and Halloween events organised by local residents, music nights and afternoon teas with the elderly. This facility is unique and should be maintained.”  

With the development proposals still seeing considerable opposition in the local community, Malhotra added “There is an opportunity for a pause in the planning process that would enable a different strategy to be pursued. Such a pause would help to ensure that the local community can re-engage with the council and achieve an outcome that works in the interests of the many who want to see a better solution and strength the facilities for use by all..”