Sadiq Khan has granted permission for 300 new homes to be built on London’s green belt, arguing that the project will deliver a “clear public benefit”.
The scheme off Forest Road in Feltham will also involve the restoration of the dilapidated 222-year-old Hanworth Park House, with the new homes built on surrounding woodland.
Ordinarily, building of new properties on green belt land would be refused by the mayor, as his London Plan stresses the need to “protect and enhance” the capital’s open spaces. It states that all proposals that would “harm” the green belt should be rejected, “except where very special circumstances exist”.
But in exclusive comments to the Standard, Mr Khan said the project’s benefits would outweigh any harm.
In a report presented to him, City Hall officers had pointed out that the scheme would deliver much needed affordable housing, as 120 of the properties will be marketed at a social rent.
Hanworth Park House, a Grade II-listed building which has been derelict for several years, will not only be restored as part of the project, but extended and converted to become a community hub - including a museum, education centre, cafe, exhibition space and artisan studios.
The mayor said: “London’s housing crisis needs urgent action and I’m determined to do everything in my power to help.
“I’ll always prioritise brownfield land for new housing development, but there are circumstances where on balance there will be a clear public benefit case for building new homes on sites designated as green belt. In this case the plans will enhance local green spaces and protect local heritage assets.
“I’ll never shy away from the difficult decisions needed to get homes built in our city, as part of my plan to build a fairer, more prosperous London for all.”
The scheme had already received near-unanimous approval from Hounslow Council’s planning committee last year, along with the support of the local Labour MP, Seema Malhotra.
The news came on Wednesday morning as the Government prepared for the King’s Speech, which is expected to include reforms to England’s planning system. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has said she wants to make it easier for homes to be built, including on poor quality areas of the green belt, which Labour calls ‘grey belt’ land.
