Homelessness charity is seeking ecological and urban greening support for supported housing in Cranford.

What do they need help with?

Shelter Community is seeking pro bono ecological or landscape consultancy support to progress the redevelopment of a vacant church site in Cranford, Hounslow. The proposed scheme would deliver a new community hub, church facility and supported housing for approximately 25 to 30 young people at risk of homelessness.

The project would also include the sensitive renovation of the existing rectory building. This would provide accommodation for a guardian family, alongside shared communal facilities. Together, the new and renovated spaces would establish a community-led model of care for some of West London’s most vulnerable young people.

Shelter Community is seeking support from an experienced ecologist or landscape architect to help shape the scheme before it moves further through the planning process. This input would help identify ecological constraints, understand greening requirements and ensure the development can be presented confidently to the London Borough of Hounslow.

The charity is looking for support with a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, including a Phase 1 habitat survey to establish the ecological baseline of the site. This would help identify any potential for protected or priority species and flag any constraints that may require further targeted survey work before a planning submission.

Shelter Community also needs a preliminary protected species assessment of the existing church and rectory buildings, including potential bat roost and nesting bird interest. Early advice would help the charity understand whether further survey work is required and manage risk ahead of the pre-application process.

The request also includes support with a Biodiversity Net Gain assessment. This would involve calculating the existing biodiversity baseline and identifying opportunities for on-site habitat creation and enhancement to meet the mandatory 10% Biodiversity Net Gain requirement. Where on-site delivery is constrained, Shelter Community would welcome advice on off-site or credits-based solutions.

The charity also needs Urban Greening Factor support, including calculation of the current score and guidance on landscape, green infrastructure and greening measures needed to meet the minimum threshold under London Plan Policy G5. This may include advice on green roofs, soft landscaping, planters and sustainable drainage features.

Shelter Community is also seeking pre-application strategy advice, helping it present the ecological and greening approach clearly and proactively to the Local Planning Authority. The charity can provide drawings, site photographs and further background information to support the assessment.

Timeline

As soon as possible

About the organisation

Shelter Community is a registered charity founded in 2013 to create safe homes for young people in a community setting. Its mission is to support young adults who are homeless or at risk of homelessness by providing accommodation, relationships, encouragement and practical support to help them build positive futures.

The charity currently runs the Youth Community Home in Chiswick, providing supported accommodation for young people in housing need. Young residents receive safe and affordable accommodation, one-to-one support through professional key workers, volunteer coaching, practical life skills support, shared meals, community activities and move-on support.

Shelter Community works with referral partners including New Horizon Youth Centre and Housing Justice, helping young people access support that is appropriate to their needs. Its approach aims to prevent rough sleeping and homelessness, improve housing stability, build confidence and wellbeing, develop life skills, support engagement with education and employment, and create a stronger sense of belonging.

Shelter Community hopes to open a move-on home for eight young people by the end of 2026 and is working with a church in Cranford towards a planning application for supported accommodation.

http://www.sclondon.org/