Plans for the major redevelopment of a former Ministry of Defence site in Hounslow West have been given the go ahead. A resolution to grant planning permission has been received for a mixed-use development at Cavalry Barracks to build a vibrant community that includes 1,525 new homes, as well as commercial space and more than 10 acres of open space.
The new masterplan focuses on creating high-quality homes in a sustainable environment that celebrates the site’s history and supports the ongoing regeneration of the area. Housing developer and regeneration specialist Inland Homes developed the plans on behalf of the project’s investor, together with architects tp bennett and planning consultants Planning Potential. At nearly 37 acres, the former Ministry of Defence site is one of the largest remaining undeveloped brownfield sites in London and benefits from excellent public transport links to nearby Heathrow Airport and central London.
Alongside much-needed homes to suit a wide range of residents, the redevelopment will bring 2,700m² of commercial space for shops, cafes, workspace and community uses. The old parade ground will be revived as a new public park twice the size of Trafalgar Square, with sports pitches, play areas and green open space. Other landscaped areas will help form an ecological corridor that connects to nearby Hounslow Heath and Beaversfield Park.
With a permanent barracks on site from 1793 to 2021 and links to Oliver Cromwell, Florence Nightingale and Winston Churchill, Cavalry Barracks and the surrounding area is steeped in history. Heritage assets across the site will be celebrated and restored, with key buildings opened up for wider community benefit. In total, 14 Grade II listed buildings and 9 locally listed buildings will be refurbished.
Nish Malde, Interim Chief Executive Officer at Inland Homes, commented: “Cavalry Barracks is an exceptional development site with its historical significance, excellent location and sheer scale of opportunity. We are delighted to have received a resolution to grant planning permission on behalf of the project investor to secure additional new housing for Hounslow, in a way that celebrates the site’s rich history and builds on its legacy for the whole community benefit. We look forward to seeing the next chapter in the Cavalry Barracks story come to life.”
Chris Wieszczycki, Principal Director at tp bennett said: “The reimagined Cavalry Barracks scheme will retain and convert the historical buildings into new homes, creating a community with a real sense of history. Our design is for a sustainable, biodiverse neighbourhood, grounded in the rich heritage of this ex-military site. The former parade ground will be transformed into an attractive piece of green, open land with space for sports, recreation and play to be enjoyed by residents and the public. The scheme presents a unique opportunity to tell the story of a rich past while creating a sustainable, high-quality environment for the future.”
Stuart Slatter, Director at Planning Potential said: “Engaging with the local community and working closely with key stakeholders has been central to evolving the exciting proposals for Cavalry Barracks. This has resulted in a scheme that not only meets Hounslow’s aspirations for the site, but also responds to the local community needs and is supported by stakeholders such as the Hounslow Chamber of Commerce, Sport England and Historic England.”
