The Cabinet of Hammersmith and Fulham Council met on Monday 13 October 2025 to discuss and approve the drawdown of planning obligation funds for community benefits, the review of the Local Plan, and the capital programme monitor. Key decisions included the approval of £22.4 million in Section 106 and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) monies for various community projects, the agreement to proceed with a public consultation on the draft Local Plan, and the noting of a £280.7 million forecast for capital expenditure in 2025/26.

Funding Community Benefits Through Planning Obligations

The Cabinet approved the drawdown of £22,413,499 in Section 106 and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) monies for the financial year 2024/25. This funding, secured from developers as part of planning permissions, will be invested in a wide range of community benefits across the borough. Councillor Andrew Jones, Cabinet Member for the Economy, highlighted that this amount represents a record sum raised by the Council from property developers, despite a challenging economic environment.

The funds will support significant projects including the new Civic Campus development in King Street which aims to rejuvenate the area and attract commercial activity. Other key investments include the funding of a Law Enforcement Team to enhance security and tackle anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping, the innovative gangs unit to combat organised crime, and a significant commitment to building genuinely affordable housing across the borough, with developments planned in Fulham and the north of the borough. Investments will also be made in climate change mitigation and flood risk reduction.

Councillor Rowan Ree, Cabinet Member for Finance and Reform, emphasised that this figure is an increase on the previous year's funding and demonstrates the Council's success in securing maximum contributions from developers for infrastructure and services.

During the discussion, Councillor Adronie Alford, a member of the Opposition, inquired about additional funds allocated to the Civic Campus, questioning if it was due to an overspend or always planned. The Leader, Councillor Stephen Cowan, explained that the Council had always intended to allocate funds for workspace to encourage entrepreneurs and had expanded this commitment. He acknowledged documented cost overruns due to Brexit, the pandemic, and inflation, but stressed that the scheme is projected to be self-financing 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. Councillor Cowan clarified that the HSE's review had caused a year's delay but the project was back on track for an early next year opening.

Councillor Cowan also provided context on the Council's approach to negotiating with developers, highlighting a cultural shift within the department to improve negotiation training and practices. He stated that this approach had led to record sums being secured, enabling initiatives such as saving the Lyric Theatre, supporting the local food bank, and funding the largest council-funded police presence in the borough's history.

Local Plan Review - Regulation 18 Public Consultation

The Cabinet approved the draft Local Plan Regulation 18 for public consultation. This marks the first stage of the Local Plan review process, allowing the public and stakeholders to provide feedback on the draft plan before it progresses to the next stage. Councillor Andrew Jones, Cabinet Member for the Economy, explained that the Local Plan sets the policy framework for the borough's development over the next 10 to 15 years.

The plan supports the government's ambition to build 1.5 million new homes and addresses key issues such as the future of the borough's high streets and plans to tackle climate change. Councillor Wesley Harcourt, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Ecology, noted the plan's importance in incorporating the Council's climate change agenda and technological advancements into planning rules.

Councillor Adronie Alford raised questions about a proposal to replace the Hammersmith Flyover with a tunnel, querying its feasibility and potential impact on the reopening of Hammersmith Bridge. Councillor Cowan clarified that the tunnel and Hammersmith Bridge are separate issues. He stated that £47 million had already been spent on stabilising the bridge, with the estimated £300 million restoration cost being a matter for the government. Regarding the proposed tunnel, he explained that it could reclaim valuable land, with profits funding the tunnel itself, requiring collaboration with the Mayor of London and TfL.

Councillor Cowan reiterated the Council's commitment to hearing from residents about their aspirations and concerns for the borough's future. He spoke about the Council's industrial strategy, Upstream London, and the vision of a campus borough fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. The Local Plan will support this vision by incorporating policies for affordable office space, housing, and green spaces.

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 (LDS) and the updated Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) were approved for adoption and publication.

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

The Cabinet noted the overall forecast of £280.7 million for the 2025/26 capital expenditure, representing a net increase of £13.4 million compared to the revised budget. They also approved a total additional investment of £105.2 million across the revised four-year programme, including new additional borrowing. The updated four-year capital programme for 2025-2029 now stands at £679.8 million, a net increase of £105.2 million.

Councillor Rowan Ree, Cabinet Member for Finance and Reform, detailed the investments, which include upgrades to the Council's housing stock to ensure they are comfortable, warm, safe, and green. Further investments are planned for the public realm, transport infrastructure, schools, and the borough's CCTV network, described as the most comprehensive in the UK.

Councillor Adronie Alford raised concerns about potential over-borrowing given the current economic climate and interest rate uncertainties. Councillor Ree assured the Cabinet that borrowing has primarily been internal over the last four years due to high interest rates, and that the Council closely monitors rates to borrow only when financially advantageous. He explained that borrowing for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) from the Public Works Loans Board receives a discounted rate, noting a 0.6% difference compared to general fund borrowing.

Councillor Cowan concluded the discussion by emphasizing the Council's ethos of financial efficiency and robust negotiation, which has enabled significant income generation. He assured the Cabinet that borrowing is managed responsibly and that the Council aims to remain one of the most financially well-run authorities in the country.

The meeting concluded with the Cabinet noting the Key Decisions List.