Plans to Convert Historic Chiswick Pub Rejected

Council planners concerned about quality of proposed flats

The former home of The Mawsons Arms and The Fox and Hounds

March 31, 2025

Proposals to convert a historic Chiswick pub into flats have been rejected by Hounslow Council over concerns the living conditions would be of too low a standard. The Mawson Arms, and the Fox and Hounds on Mawson Lane first opened its doors as a pub in 1759, however it has been closed since the pandemic, leaving the space vacant.

Plans originally submitted to Hounslow Council in January 2025 sought to convert the Grade II listed Chiswick pub’s ground floor into two self-contained flats, with the upper floors already existing as flats. Both flats would have had two bedrooms, offering four car parking spaces and cycle storage.

The applicant did not submit a daylight and sunlight assessment report, and despite the addition of windows to provide light, planning officers decided it would be too difficult to assess lighting levels. Additionally, officers considered the outlook for all of the rooms to be substandard, creating a ‘poor living environment’ for future occupants.

The proposal did not provide any amenity space for the proposed flats, nor any justification for the lack thereof. This is something that is not considered acceptable by Hounslow Council and is contrary to planning policy.

Under the council’s local plan, Hounslow seeks to protect existing community facilities in the borough, and prioritise directing new community groups to existing locations. The council found that whilst the building has been vacant for 18 months, there is no evidence to suggest it would not be appropriate for other community uses.

Historically, the pub has had two names because it was formerly two separate establishments that were merged. It is believed that a former landlord had not properly understood the licensing laws, and had split the pub into an ale house and a separate wines and spirits bar.

The building has been Grade II listed since 1951 and is located within the Old Chiswick Conservation Area. Following the sale of the connected Griffin Brewery, the new owners – Fuller, Smith & Turner – sold the pub and adjoined outbuildings in a separate sale in 2021.

Before operating as a popular public house, the building was home to the 18th-century poet Alexander Pope between 1716-1719. He was renowned for his translation of Homer, but locally he is known for his grander home, Pope Villa at Twickenham

Philip James Lynch - Local Democracy Reporter