Planning permission granted for new Tesco store in Hounslow

The permission has been granted by Hounslow Borough Council for the redevelopment of an empty office block at Hounslow House, situated in the town centre.

The approved planning application contains a number of revisions in response to concerns raised by the planning committee.

The original plans included the provision of a number of residential units above the store, however under the new plans these have been removed following concern amongst the local community that this would put strain on the parking spaces available.

The removal of the residential units in the revised plans also reduces the overall height of the development, making it lower than the original Hounslow House office building. There will, however, be residential development on a neighbouring Mecca Bingo site.

The revised plans improve the frontage of the redevelopment by paving the area in front of the store, providing benches and planting a number of trees.

As a result of the consultation the revised plans also include provision for a number of small independent shop units with a new footpath connecting the site to the rest of the town centre.

The overall size of the redevelopment has been increased from that of the original application to allow for the inclusion of a cafe in the store, which was a much-supported idea during the consultation.

The redevelopment includes a 300 space car park which will be available for use by the whole community, not just visitors of the store. It also includes space for 72 bicycles and a charging point for electric cars.