New rules change who decides building plans
Published Thursday 5 November 2026
See how planning decisions reach councillors, book a free Boston Manor talk and help shape Brentford’s Family Hub services.
Top Updates
New rules for public planning decisions
New rules now govern which Brentford building plans reach Hounslow’s planning committee—a group of councillors who decide applications at public meetings. The changes took effect on Saturday 31 October.
For eligible applications, Hounslow’s planning director and committee chair must both agree to a committee decision, and the case must raise a significant local issue or planning matter. Some applications must be decided by council staff.
This replaces the previous route through which ward councillors could request a committee decision. That route also had conditions; a councillor’s request never guaranteed a hearing.
Council left 12 children’s services out of report data
Hounslow Council left 12 children’s services, including young-carer support, out of data for the Childhood Lottery report, which examines how children’s experiences differ across England. The council is investigating the omission.
Its 28 October statement says adding those services would move Hounslow from 147th to 84th out of 148 areas. That is the council’s calculation; the report has not been revised. The Children’s Commissioner cautions that the analysis describes children’s circumstances, rather than comparing council performance. It does not provide a separate Brentford result.
Dates For Your Diary
Tuesday 24 November · 1–2.45pm
Help shape services at Brentford Family Hub
Brentford’s Parent Carer Panel will meet on Tuesday 24 November, 1–2.45pm, at Best Start Family Hub Brentford (East), North Road, TW8 0BJ. Expectant parents and anyone caring for children aged 0–4 can share experiences and help shape Family Hub services.
Tea, coffee, pastries and a free crèche will be provided. Email familyhub@hounslow.gov.uk to attend, or call 020 8583 5760. See the panel information for more about taking part.
Friday 27 November · 6.30pm · £65
Make a Christmas wreath at The Brentford Workshop
Gather Flowers will lead a Christmas wreath workshop at The Brentford Workshop, 6 Bradshaw Yard, on Friday 27 November. Starting at 6.30pm, you’ll moss a frame and decorate it with dried fruit, cones and berries. Tickets cost £65; drinks and finger food will be provided. Book through the organiser’s page.
Saturday 5 December · 10am–3pm
Christmas gifts and street food at Chiswick’s Duck Pond Market
Independent local businesses will sell food, plants, gifts and crafts at Duck Pond Market’s Christmas market at Chiswick House & Gardens on Saturday 5 December, from 10am to 3pm. There will also be coffee and street food. Find the stalls in front of the house and along the driveway, off Burlington Lane, W4 2RP. The venue’s festive market programme also includes Sunday 6 December.
What's On
Friday 6 November
Tour St Paul’s before applying for a nursery place, 9.15am · book through the school office. Families considering a September 2027 nursery place can tour St Paul’s CE Primary on St Paul’s Road. Children need not be Christian to attend. Call 020 8560 3297 to book; check eligible birth dates, hours and extra costs before applying.
Mark Summerfield exhibition at Mother Rugger, 6pm–9pm. See work by Mark Summerfield at Mother Rugger’s Artist of the Month exhibition. The Brentford Project’s November programme lists this evening event as part of its activities for the local community.
Saturday 7 November
Boston Manor Farmers Market in the Walled Garden, 9.30am–2.30pm. Browse the Good Apples farmers market in Boston Manor Park’s Walled Garden. The organiser’s food-market programme brings together independent growers, producers and food makers in the park’s enclosed garden.
Sunday 8 November
Remembrance Sunday at Brentford Library, Parade 10.40am · service 10.50am. Brentford’s parade will leave St Paul’s Church and make its way to the library for the service. Refreshments will follow at The Inverness Lodge. See the council’s Remembrance Sunday arrangements.
Tuesday 10 November
Free book launch at Boston Manor House, 7–9pm · free. Discover How We Lost America: A New Perspective on American Independence, exploring the independence story and its aftermath, including enslaved people and women revolutionaries. Book the free launch at Boston Manor House, Boston Manor Road, TW8 9JX.