A newly completed accessible housing development in West London is now providing much-needed accommodation for local residents.
In a collaborative effort between Hounslow Council and Habiteng Housing, a total of 12 new flats have been constructed in Isleworth, transforming the site of a former garage block into a modern residential space.
The development on South Street comprises two fully wheelchair-accessible one-bedroom flats, along with ten additional homes built for general needs — six one-bedroom and four two-bedroom units.
This project marks one of 13 small sites being developed by Habiteng across the borough, all aimed at addressing the local housing shortage while improving accessibility and sustainability.
One of the new residents, Adan Yusuf, has expressed heartfelt appreciation after moving into a fully accessible home he had long been waiting for.
He shared, “I’ve been waiting for this type of accommodation since 2021. Words aren’t enough to describe my happiness about my new home. Everything is accessible to me and easy to manage, from the front door and bedroom to the toilet and kitchen. I have enough space to move around freely.”
The general needs homes are constructed to the M4(2) accessible and adaptable standard — a specification that exceeds basic requirements to ensure easier living for a wide range of residents.
These standards mean that homes are designed for future adaptability with features like reinforced walls for grab rails, concealed gullies for easy walk-in shower installation, and staircases wide enough for stairlift use.
The objective is to ensure that residents can continue living self-sufficiently in their own spaces for as long as feasible. Sustainability also played a central role in the design of the development.
The project followed a ‘fabric first’ approach, prioritising the energy performance of walls, roofs, floors, and doors from the outset to reduce heat loss. The buildings feature triple glazing and are equipped with air source heat pumps, further enhancing energy efficiency.
Councillor Tom Bruce, Deputy Leader of Hounslow Council and Cabinet Member for Assets, Regeneration and Development, praised the development as a testament to successful collaboration and forward-thinking design.
He stated: “This project not only transforms underused land into valuable housing but also reinforces our commitment to inclusivity and environmental responsibility, making significant strides towards meeting the housing needs of our residents.”
With residents now settling in, the South Street project stands as a clear example of how well-designed, sustainable housing can positively transform lives and communities across West London.
