This week in Hounslow:

Health and Wellbeing Board Tackles Integrated Care and Strategy Refresh

The Hounslow Health and Wellbeing Board met on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, to discuss critical initiatives aimed at improving residents' health and wellbeing. A major focus was the Hounslow Care Together model, designed to provide more joined-up, proactive care closer to home. This model is crucial for ensuring that vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly and those with chronic conditions, receive timely and personalised support, potentially reducing the need for hospital admissions and enabling them to live independently for longer. The board also began the process of refreshing Hounslow's Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy, a vital document that will shape the borough's health priorities for years to come. This strategy refresh is informed by the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA), which identifies the health challenges facing Hounslow residents.

• Hounslow Care Together: This initiative aims to create a more integrated health and social care system by establishing multi-disciplinary teams (MDTs) working with GP practices. The goal is to provide proactive care, prevent crises, and support residents to live well at home. Initial feedback from staff involved in the test teams has been positive, highlighting improved team working.
• Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy Refresh: The strategy, due for publication in late 2026, will set out priorities for improving local health and wellbeing. Engagement with residents and stakeholders has identified key areas for focus, including early intervention, mental health support, and creating age-friendly environments.
• Better Care Fund: Updates were provided on the Better Care Fund, a key mechanism for integrating health and social care services. The fund supports various schemes, including stroke rehabilitation, A&E discharge support, and integrated community response services, all vital for supporting residents with complex needs.
• Healthwatch Report: Feedback from Healthwatch Hounslow highlighted that while staff attitudes are often praised, issues like appointment waiting times and communication remain challenges for residents accessing GP and hospital services.

The decisions made regarding these strategies and initiatives will have a direct impact on the quality and accessibility of healthcare services for all Hounslow residents, particularly those who are most vulnerable.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Hounslow Health and Wellbeing Board meeting papers.

Brentford Regeneration and Smokefree Campaign Take Centre Stage

The Brentford and Syon Area Forum met on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, to discuss significant local regeneration projects and public health campaigns. A key focus was the Brentford High Street/Brentford Project, a regeneration initiative aiming to boost the local economy and create new housing. This project has the potential to transform the area, but it also raises questions about how development will benefit existing residents and address concerns such as integrating transport links and increasing green spaces. The forum also received an update on Hounslow's Smokefree Generation Campaign, an important public health effort to reduce smoking rates and create a healthier environment for everyone, especially children and young people.

• Brentford High Street/Brentford Project: This ambitious project aims to revitalise the area, with plans to potentially double the economy by 2030. It seeks to create new jobs and housing, viewing the Golden Mile as a mixed-use community that respects its heritage. Public consultation has highlighted resident concerns about traffic, green spaces, and public amenities.
• Hounslow's Smokefree Generation Campaign: This initiative is crucial for public health, aiming to protect future generations from the harms of smoking.

The Area Forum provides a vital platform for residents to voice their opinions on these developments and campaigns, ensuring that local needs and concerns are considered in council decisions.

More information can be found in the Brentford and Syon Area Forum meeting papers.

Temporary Street Trading Licence for Carlos Takeaway Under Consideration

The Licensing Panel met on Thursday, 15 January 2026, to consider an application for a temporary street trading licence for Carlos Takeaway, Stall and Marquee on Hounslow High Street. This application has generated concerns from a local councillor and the council's Traffic/Transport Team regarding pedestrian safety and congestion. The proposed location is in a busy area, and the panel must balance the potential economic activity of a new food stall against the need to ensure public safety and maintain clear pedestrian pathways.

• The applicant, Mr Ramy Estfanous, sought to sell a range of food items, including Chicken Shawarma and Smash Burgers, during specified hours.
• Councillor Rasheed Bhatti, a ward councillor for Hounslow Central, expressed strong opposition, highlighting that the area is already heavily congested with various installations, creating both visual clutter and a serious safety hazard for pedestrians.
• The Traffic/Transport Team also raised concerns about open cooking in such a busy location.

The panel's decision will be guided by the Hounslow Licensing Policy, which prioritises public safety and the prevention of nuisance. This case underscores the council's role in managing public spaces to ensure they are both vibrant and safe for everyone.

You can review the details of this application in the Licensing Panel meeting papers.

Other Matters

The Bedfont and Feltham Area Forum also convened on Thursday, 15 January 2026. The meeting included a Community Spotlight to showcase local organisations and an Open Forum for residents to raise concerns. Updates on various Action Plan items were also provided, demonstrating the council's ongoing commitment to addressing local issues. More information can be found in the Bedfont and Feltham Area Forum meeting papers.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Chiswick Area Forum is scheduled to meet on Monday 19 January 2026.
• The Schools Forum is scheduled to meet on Monday 19 January 2026.
• The Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 20 January 2026.
• The Heston and Cranford Area Forum is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 21 January 2026.
• The Pension Board is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 21 January 2026.
• The Central Hounslow Area Forum is scheduled to meet on Thursday 22 January 2026.
• The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education is scheduled to meet on Thursday 22 January 2026.
• The Overview and Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday 26 January 2026.
• The Hanworth Area Forum is scheduled to meet on Thursday 29 January 2026.
• The Licensing Panel is scheduled to meet on Thursday 29 January 2026.
• The Publishable Officer Decisions are scheduled for Friday 30 January 2026.

This week in Hounslow:

Chiswick Alcohol Licence Extension Sparks Resident Concerns

The Licensing Panel convened on Monday to consider an application from KSMV Properties Ltd to extend the licensing hours at 299-303 Chiswick High Road. The meeting is available here. The proposal to extend the hours for alcohol sales, live music, and late-night refreshment by one hour on Fridays and Saturdays has ignited debate, with residents and council officers raising concerns about potential noise and public nuisance.

• The applicant sought to extend the hours until 2:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays, impacting both the ground floor and basement of the premises.
• A Senior Principal Regulatory Officer expressed significant concerns about the extension, citing renewed noise complaints.
• Councillor Joanna Biddolph objected, citing risks to public safety, increased crime, and public nuisance, as well as potential breaches of licensing conditions and planning permission.
• Councillor Ranjit Gill supported the application, arguing it aligns with neighbouring businesses and will boost the local economy.

The Licensing Panel had to weigh the potential economic benefits against the concerns of residents and enforcement officers. The decision could set a precedent for future licensing applications in areas with mixed residential and commercial properties. The Hounslow Licensing Policy states that the council will consider the suitability of the premises, any cumulative impact policy in effect, and any representations received.

Healthy Bite Street Trading Licence Extension Debated

The Licensing Panel met on Monday to consider an application for a six-month extension to the temporary street trading licence issued to Healthy Bite Chiswick Ltd for their stall, Healthy Bite, located adjacent to 253 Chiswick High Road. The meeting is available here.

• Healthy Bite wished to continue selling Falafel wraps, chicken wraps, Halloumi wraps, rice with vegetables, salads, soups, fresh juices, and soft drinks from 10am to 4pm, seven days a week.
• Councillor Joanna Biddolph objected to the application, arguing that there were already sufficient traders in the area selling similar goods, and raised concerns about health and safety and cleanliness at the stall.
• Two residents also objected, one raising concerns about congestion and the other about food safety and hygiene.
• Hounslow Highways and the council's Transport Team supported the application, with the Transport Team requesting a condition be added to the license to prevent vehicles mounting the pavement during deliveries.
• A number of residents and businesses in Chiswick wrote to the council in support of the application.

The panel was provided with a copy of the StreetTradingPolicy_jun20 2 to help them make a decision.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Licensing Panel is scheduled to meet on Monday 29 December 2025.

This week in Hounslow:

Street Food Stall Sparks Safety Concerns on Hounslow High Street

A temporary street trading licence application for Carlos Takeaway on Hounslow High Street has been postponed by the Licensing Panel. The meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, but was postponed at the last minute. The meeting is available here. The application has raised concerns about pedestrian safety and congestion in an already busy area.

• Mr Ramy Estfanous sought permission to sell Chicken Shawarma, Falafel, and Smash Burgers between 10:00 and 20:00 Monday to Saturday, and 11:00 to 18:00 on Sundays.
• The Traffic/Transport Team flagged potential safety issues due to open cooking in a high-traffic location.
• Councillor Rasheed Bhatti, a ward councillor for Hounslow Central, voiced strong opposition, stating the area is already heavily congested with various installations, creating both visual clutter and a serious safety hazard for pedestrians.

The panel was to consider whether the potential economic benefits of the stall outweigh the safety concerns raised by consultees and local representatives. The decision could impact future street trading policies and the balance between commercial activity and public safety in Hounslow.

Feltham's Future in Focus: Investment Framework on the Table

The Cabinet met on Tuesday to discuss the Future Feltham Investment Framework, a plan to regenerate Feltham into a green, well-connected space and a productive place to work and learn . The meeting is available here.

• Councillor Tom Bruce, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Assets, Regeneration and Development, presented the framework, outlining a vision for the future development of Feltham.
• The framework aims to create a more attractive and functional town centre, potentially boosting the local economy and improving the quality of life for residents.

The framework represents a significant investment in Feltham's future, with the potential to transform the town centre and create new opportunities for residents and businesses.

Other Matters

• The Cabinet discussed the Climate Emergency Action Plan, with Councillor Katherine Dunne, Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Transport, presenting the fifth annual update to the plan.
• The Cabinet discussed Hounslow's Culture Strategy, with Councillor Salman Shaheen, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure, Public Spaces, presenting the report.
• The Cabinet discussed the Public Transport Plan, with Councillor Katherine Dunne, Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Transport, presenting the report.
• The Cabinet discussed delivering the borough's wider climate infrastructure. Councillor Katherine Dunne, Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Transport, presented the report.
• The Cabinet reviewed the Quarterly Performance Reporting 2025-26 (Q2) and Delivery Plan Monitoring 2025-26 (Q2). Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Strategy, Resources and External Affairs, presented the reports.
• The Cabinet discussed the Corporate Services Contracts Review, with Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Strategy, Resources and External Affairs, presenting the outline business case.
• The Cabinet discussed the Non-Assessed Short Breaks Framework, with Councillor Samia Chaudhary, Cabinet Member for Education, Children, Skills and Employment, presenting the report.
• The Cabinet discussed the Buildings Cleaning Services, with Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Strategy, Resources and External Affairs, presenting a report on Coalo, a cleaning service.
• The Cabinet discussed the Community Equipment Service, with Councillor Lily Bath, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health, Health Integration, presenting the report.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Licensing Panel is scheduled to meet on Monday 22 December 2025.

This week in Hounslow:

Chiswick Flower Market's Alcohol Bid Divides Opinion

The Licensing Panel met on Monday to consider a request from the Chiswick Flower Market to amend their temporary street trading licence, sparking debate over accessibility and the market's impact on the local community. The meeting is available here.

• The market sought permission to sell alcohol, remove the 1-metre stall spacing rule, and eliminate the 1-metre distance requirement from benches.
• Councillor Joanna Biddolph raised concerns about accessibility for wheelchair users if the 1m spacing rule was removed, quoting legal advice stating that reasonable adjustments must be made for disabled people under the Equality Act 2010.
• Hounslow Highways requested the removal of a stall due to encroachment on a tactile crossing[^1], while the applicant argued for its importance in maintaining market flow. [^1]: Tactile paving is a textured ground surface indicator to assist pedestrians who are blind or vision impaired.
• Ward councillors expressed support, highlighting the market's popularity and economic benefits.

The panel was tasked with balancing the market's commercial interests with the needs of residents, particularly those with disabilities. The decision could set a precedent for future street trading licences and accessibility standards in the borough.

Health Committee Examines Access to Care for Vulnerable Groups

The Joint Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee (JHOSC) convened on Tuesday to address critical healthcare issues affecting North West London, with a focus on urgent care, primary care access, and services for children with special educational needs (SEN). The meeting is available here.

• The committee discussed improvements in urgent and emergency care, including the launch of the Integrated Care Coordination Hub (ICC) and increased Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC).
• A report highlighted that 82% of calls to primary care were answered within 10 minutes, and 88% of e-submissions were responded to by the next working day.
• The committee reviewed the application of Continuing Healthcare (CHC) criteria, noting that North West London ICB funds more CHC eligible individuals than any other ICB in London.
• A report on continence services for children with SEND revealed variable experiences across North West London, prompting a push for a common service offer in every borough.

The committee's discussions underscored the importance of equitable access to healthcare for all residents, particularly vulnerable groups such as children with SEND and individuals requiring continuing healthcare. The decisions made could impact the quality and availability of vital services across the region.

Other Matters

• The Corporate Parenting Panel met on Monday. No video was provided for the meeting. The meeting is available here.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 16 December 2025.
• The Licensing Panel is scheduled to meet on Monday 22 December 2025.