Hounslow is one of the westernmost London boroughs, with a population of 237,000, making it the 16th largest of the 32 London boroughs.

In terms of population density, Hounslow planning is largely about dealing with suburban development, with a population density of just over 4,000 people per square kilometre. This is one of the lowest of all London boroughs. Major centres within the borough, including the centre of Hounslow itself, tend to be considerably more intensively developed.




However, although Hounslow's population density is low by London standards, it is still relatively high compared with other UK regional cities. Considerable planning pressures remain within the borough, largely in relation to it being directly adjacent to Heathrow airport.




The London Borough of Hounslow is made up of a number of smaller towns, of which the town of Hounslow is the largest. However, the area has traditionally suffered from a relatively poor provision of retail facilities. Most residents of both the town and borough of Hounslow have tended to shop elsewhere.




One attempt to redress this balance has been the construction of the first phase of the Blenheim centre on the edge of Hounslow town. In planning terms, the Blenheim centre is interesting in that it features two stories of shops and services anchored by a large ASDA supermarket, with apartments having been built on top of this centre.




However, concerns over retail development and the typical pressures governing suburban housing development and household extensions are all dwarfed by the challenges posed by the borough being situated directly adjacent to Heathrow airport. Planning matters relating to Heathrow airport are dealt with by the neighbouring borough of Hillingdon.