Charlton and Albany House Scheme Gets Green Light
Senior councillor warns rising construction costs present challenge
Aerial view of the proposed development looking North. Picture: Hounslow Council
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February 24, 2023
The redevelopment of Charlton House and Albany House has moved a step closer after Hounslow Council’s cabinet voted in favour of the programme.
At a meeting on Tuesday night (21 February), councillors approved plans to demolish the existing estate on Brentford High Street for its replacement by five apartment blocks ranging between one and eight storeys high containing 209 flats.
All the new flats would be classed as affordable and existing residents will have the option to live in a new build within the borough or live somewhere else and return to the estate once the flats have been completed.
The scheme would double the number of flats on the site and includes ground floor retail space along the High Street.
Proposed view from High Street Brentford towards Brook Road South between Western and Central Blocks. Picture: Hounslow Council
The council undertook a lengthy consultation exercise with residents which it says showed broad support for the proposal with 87% voting in favour during a ballot held in 2021. Some residents living in nearby Market Terrace said the tower blocks would block sunlight to their homes.
View of the estate. Picture: Google Streetview
However, a senior councillor has warned that rising costs may present a challenge for the plan.
Councillor Tom Bruce, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Development at Hounslow Council, said, “The regeneration of this estate is a top priority for Hounslow Council, and we have a robust strategy to make the regeneration of this estate reality.
“Eye-watering inflation and rising construction costs do mean we face challenges in delivering this project. However, we remain committed to making this happen and ensuring we deliver affordable homes for Hounslow residents.”
To keep the disruption to a minimum and the community together for as long as possible, residents will be moved out as close to the start of the building works as possible, which is currently expected to be towards the end of this year. Once commenced, the buildings are expected to be ready for occupancy in around three years.
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