OWGRA Faces Suspension after Decades of Community Advocacy
Bid to fill committee roles unsuccessful
OWGRA has been resisting over-development in the area since the mid-eighties
November 24, 2025
The Osterley and Wyke Green Residents’ Association (OWGRA) has set in motion procedures to suspend activities from early 2026. The move has become necessary following a failure to fil key committee roles.
The pause would halt regular e-newsletters, the annual printed newsletter to 5,000 households, planning responses, local campaigns, social events, and handling enquiries via the OWGRA email account. Membership fees of £10 will be suspended during the period of non-activity, with current memberships running until 31 March 2026 and an AGM planned for May.
OWGRA emerged more than 30 years ago from local efforts to protect Osterley Park and surrounding green spaces from large-scale development, becoming a long-standing residents’ voice in the area. In recent years, the association led high-profile campaigns against tower blocks proposed at the Tesco/Homebase sites on Syon Lane—taking their case to City Hall and highlighting the mismatch between high-rise schemes and suburban character, alongside infrastructure and housing mix concerns. The current risk of suspension reflects a sustained shortage of volunteers, with multiple key posts unfilled over time.
OWGRA’s pause will leave a gap in coordinated resident input on planning proposals and local development. In the near term, individuals and street groups may need to submit planning comments directly and network informally to share information. The committee has signalled its intent to involve members in further decisions, leaving open the possibility of restructuring or revival if more volunteers step forward.
Since its founding, OWGRA has held regular public meetings on issues like planning and crime, and maintains strong links with local councillors, the police, and other residents’ groups. OWGRA has actively addressed traffic and transport issues, working closely with Hounslow Council and TfL to introduce Controlled Parking Zones, Red Route parking controls near Nishkam School, and traffic-calming measures. It has also campaigned with residents for street cleaning, graffiti removal, pavement upkeep, and better recycling infrastructure. In partnership with local schools and Hounslow Highways, OWGRA facilitates regular community litter-picking, gathering litter across Osterley and enhancing the area's cleanliness and appearance
Two committee meetings and e-newsletters are planned in the new year, with details to follow.
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