HOUNSLOW Council has selected Barratts West London Ltd as the preferred partner for the Heston Park development.

The appointment will enable detailed negotiations covering design, planning and funding to begin.

The selection of Barratts follows a tender process, with developers providing outline plans for the development of the Heston site.

The Heston Park development, which could start on site in late 2005, is expected to include a mixture of housing, a leisure centre, library, social services and health facilities.

Over the coming months the council and Barratts will be working towards a full planning application and development plan, which will be subject to planning process.

"This is an exciting opportunity for the council to provide brand new facilities in Heston alongside much needed homes, which will not only fulfil the needs of Heston residents but also complement the existing feel of the village.

"This is a long term project which is still in its early stages but our selection of Barratts can be viewed as a commitment to bring this plan to fruition."