Brentford and Syon Area Forum Returns

Meeting will hear about Smokefree Campaign and Brentford High Street update

A previous area forum meeting

January 9, 2026

Local residents will have the chance to hear updates on initiatives affecting the area when the Brentford and Syon Area Forum meets on Tuesday 13 January at 7.30pm. The meeting will take place at Brentford Free Church on Boston Manor Road (TW8 8DW).

The agenda includes two key items of public interest. Councillors will receive an update on Hounslow’s Smokefree Generation Campaign, the borough’s long‑term strategy to reduce smoking rates and protect young people from tobacco harm. This will be followed by the latest progress report on the Brentford High Street/Brentford Project, covering regeneration activity and ongoing improvements in the town centre.

In written answers the council confirmed that the Charlton House redevelopment will use a centralised air‑source heat pump system to supply heating and hot water to its 182 homes, with the option to connect to the borough’s district heat network if feasible. Several other major sites — including the Gillette Building, the Sky campus, the Tesco Syon Lane scheme and parts of the Syon Estate — have been identified as potential future heat‑network customers.

On green infrastructure, officers reported that the proportion of land classified as green space (excluding private gardens) varies significantly across the three Brentford wards: 31.7% in Brentford East, 41.4% in Brentford West and 52% in Syon and Brentford Lock. The council does not currently set ward‑level targets for green infrastructure.

Transport questions focused on traffic levels and the potential for a pedestrianised Brentford High Street. The council said it is working towards a borough‑wide target for 71% of all trips to be made by sustainable modes by 2041, and that it is ahead of schedule. Officers said full pedestrianisation of the High Street would be difficult because it is a key bus corridor, but they are working with TfL on extending Cycleway 9 through the town centre to improve conditions for walking and cycling.

The council said it is not aware of any active development proposals for the Alfa Laval site, though an appeal is under way relating to a refused advertisement application.

On tree management, officers explained that Hounslow Highways manages more than 12,600 street trees on a three‑year inspection cycle. Residents can report damaged or diseased trees through FixMyStreet, and the council highlighted its Greentalk platform, which allows residents to explore local tree data and adopt newly planted trees.

The council reiterated its long‑standing position of supporting a “better, not bigger” Heathrow. It remains opposed to a third runway and to any increase in flights, particularly at night, but continues to work with the airport on employment, mitigation and local benefits. The council said it will actively engage with the forthcoming Development Consent Order process and national policy consultations.

Finally, officers confirmed that the Brentford Town Centre Masterplan, approved in March 2024, provides a coordinated vision for future development but does not grant planning permission. A review of the delivery plan is scheduled for late 2026, and discussions with Brentford Voice are ongoing as part of wider work on the Golden Mile investment strategy.

The Open Forum allows residents can raise general issues relating to the agenda or other local matters. While individual cases cannot be discussed, the Open Forum provides an opportunity for residents to put questions directly to councillors and officers. Residents are encouraged to submit questions in advance to help ensure responses can be prepared in time.

The meeting will also cover any urgent business and confirm the date of the next scheduled session in March.

A recording of the meeting will be uploaded to the Council’s YouTube channel in the days following the event.

Area Forums have become an important part of the way that Hounslow Council tries to engage with residents. The forums are held across the borough, split up by electoral ward.

There is no registration for these events – just come along on the evening.