This week in Hillingdon:

Local Development Scheme Revision Sparks Debate on Future Planning

The CABINET met on Thursday, 15 January 2026, to discuss a significant revision to the Local Development Scheme (LDS). This crucial document acts as a three-year project plan for creating new planning policies, and its update signals a shift in how Hillingdon will approach development over the coming years. The existing timetable for the Local Plan, which guides future growth and housing, was deemed undeliverable due to a confluence of factors: escalating housing targets from the London Plan, changes in national planning policy introduced by the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023, and the potential expansion of Heathrow Airport.

Councillor Steve Tuckwell, Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Growth, explained the necessity of the revision: Continuing under the current LDS would expose the council to a high risk of producing an unsound and vulnerable local plan. He highlighted that Hillingdon's housing target is set to more than double under new national standards, and a new London Plan is expected to propose even higher figures. Furthermore, the impending revised airport national policy statement for Heathrow could profoundly impact the borough. It would be premature to lock in a long-term spatial strategy without clarity on these proposals, he stated.

The revised LDS pushes key stages of the Local Plan production and consultation into 2026 and beyond, aligning with the new plan-making system. This approach aims to ensure a robust and defensible plan that addresses housing needs, the Green Belt, and Heathrow's future in a comprehensive manner. The Cabinet was asked to endorse this revised scheme for adoption by Full Council.

The implications of this revised LDS are far-reaching. A well-structured Local Plan is vital for ensuring sustainable development, protecting green spaces, and providing much-needed housing. However, delays in its finalisation could create uncertainty for developers and residents alike, potentially impacting the pace of new housing delivery and infrastructure improvements.

Link to the CABINET meeting

Whiteheath Infant and Nursery School to Expand Early Years Provision

In a move to address the growing demand for funded early education, the CABINET also considered a proposal to lower the age range of Whiteheath Infant and Nursery School. The school, currently catering to children aged 3-7, would extend its provision to include eligible two-year-old children, offering them up to 15 hours of funded childcare per week.

This proposal comes in response to national policy changes expanding eligibility for two-year-old childcare. A public consultation on the matter indicated strong support from parents, with concerns raised primarily revolving around the suitability of a school environment for very young children and the potential impact on existing local childcare providers. The report presented to Cabinet aimed to address these concerns, emphasizing the benefits of increased access to high-quality early years education for local families.

This expansion could significantly benefit working parents by providing more accessible and affordable childcare options. However, careful consideration will be needed to ensure the school's facilities and staffing are adequately prepared to support two-year-olds, and to mitigate any negative impacts on existing private childcare providers in the area.

Link to the CABINET meeting

Temporary Accommodation Strategy Shows Progress Amidst Persistent Demand

The CABINET received its third quarterly update on the Temporary Accommodation Strategy and Action Plan. While the report highlighted good progress in preventing homelessness, increasing move-on rates to settled accommodation, and reducing expenditure on temporary accommodation, it also underscored the persistent challenge of high demand from homeless households.

Councillor Tuckwell noted that despite these successes, pressures continue to remain. He pointed to the difficulty in securing affordable accommodation in the private rented sector and exceptional costs related to the council's role as a port authority, particularly with the arrival of UK and other nationals. These factors mean some families are staying in temporary accommodation longer, placing strain on the homelessness budget. The council is actively exploring innovative solutions to increase the supply of leased and private rented sector homes.

The ongoing pressure on temporary accommodation services directly impacts vulnerable individuals and families, potentially leading to prolonged periods in unsuitable living conditions. The council's commitment to reducing reliance on temporary accommodation and increasing the supply of social housing remains a critical objective.

Link to the CABINET meeting

Other Matters

• The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Friday, 16 January 2026, to review a premises licence for Greenland at 62 The Broadway, Joel Street. This discussion was held in private, with information deemed exempt under the Local Government Act 1972. Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting
• The Shareholder Committee convened on Thursday, 15 January 2026, to discuss director appointments and business matters for the council's wholly-owned companies, Hillingdon First Ltd and The Hillingdon Care Company. These discussions were also held in private due to the sensitive nature of the information. Link to the Shareholder Committee meeting
• The Hillingdon Planning Committee met on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, to consider several planning applications. These included proposals for a new six-bedroom house at 47 Sweetcroft Lane, an extension to the Ariel Hotel in Bath Road, and the creation of five flats at 82-84 High Street, Ruislip. Link to the Hillingdon Planning Committee meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• The Licensing Sub-Committee on Wednesday 21 January 2026 will convene.
• The Health and Social Care Select Committee on Tuesday 20 January 2026 will convene.
• The Council on Thursday 22 January 2026 will convene.

This week in Hillingdon:

Children's Services Face Budget Scrutiny Amidst Reform Drive

The Children, Families and Education Select Committee met on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, to grapple with the council's budget proposals for 2026/27, performance monitoring, and significant reforms within children's services. The committee's discussions highlighted the delicate balance between financial sustainability and the crucial need to maintain high-quality support for the borough's most vulnerable young people.

The committee was tasked with scrutinising the Cabinet's budget proposals, which included proposed savings and growth within the Children, Families and Education directorate. While the report detailed projected changes to the net budget, with significant savings anticipated, it also flagged growth in areas like support for looked-after children and those with disabilities. A key concern raised was the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) position, which showed a projected in-year deficit driven by high needs placements. This could mean longer waits for vital support for children with complex needs.

Performance monitoring reports indicated that Hillingdon Council maintains a strong position, with the fourth lowest net expenditure in London per 100,000 residents, even with unique pressures from Heathrow Airport. However, the committee also reviewed updates on the transformation of statutory social care services, part of the Family First Partnership (FFP) reforms. These reforms aim to create more integrated and responsive services, but their success hinges on adequate funding and effective implementation, especially for children in need of protection.

The committee also considered proposals to reduce the Published Admissions Number (PAN) for Field End Infant School and Field End Junior School, from three-form to two-form entry. This decision, impacting admissions from September 2027, aims to align school capacity with declining pupil numbers. Similar adjustments were proposed for St Martin's Church of England Primary School and Park Academy West London. Additionally, a proposal to lower the age range of Whiteheath Infant and Nursery School to include two-year-olds was discussed, a move intended to address a shortfall in childcare provision but which raised concerns among parents and existing childcare providers about the suitability of a school environment for very young children.

The committee also reviewed findings from a Fostering Review and minutes from the Corporate Parenting Panel, underscoring the ongoing commitment to improving outcomes for children in care.

Link to the Children, Families and Education Select Committee meeting

Council Faces Significant Budget Pressures as Overspends Loom

The Corporate Resources & Infrastructure Select Committee and the Residents' Services Select Committee both met on 6 and 8 January 2026 respectively, and both received stark warnings about the council's financial health. Reports presented to both committees indicated a projected council-wide overspend of £36.0 million as of October 2025.

For the Corporate Resources & Infrastructure Select Committee, the overspend was largely attributed to demand pressures (£15.9 million) and a shortfall against budgeted savings (£8.0 million). Services within their remit, including Finance, Corporate Services, and the Chief Executive's Office, reported projected overspends totalling £6.3 million. The report highlighted that a significant portion of planned savings – 27% – were considered undeliverable and would require write-off from the next financial year. This raises serious questions about the council's ability to deliver its planned services within budget.

The Residents' Services Select Committee also reviewed the budget monitoring report, noting a projected overspend of £7.8 million within its portfolio. Pressures in Homes and Communities, particularly due to homelessness support, and in Place, due to shortfalls in income from the Garden Waste subscription fee and Trade Waste targets, were highlighted. The committee also considered the Cabinet's budget proposals for 2026/27 to 2030/31, which include significant savings and growth initiatives. For Residents' Services, savings were projected to total £14.043 million in 2026/27, but growth proposals were even higher at £29.880 million. This widening gap between savings and growth underscores the challenging financial landscape ahead.

Both committees also reviewed performance monitoring reports, which, while noting Hillingdon's low net expenditure across various services, also identified areas for improvement. These included higher rates of rough sleeping and a greater proportion of homes not meeting the Decent Homes Standard, despite planned investment.

Link to the Corporate Resources & Infrastructure Select Committee meeting Link to the Residents' Services Select Committee meeting

Hayes Estate Regeneration Continues Amidst Financial Scrutiny

The Corporate Resources & Infrastructure Select Committee received an update on the Hayes Regeneration Project, a significant undertaking aimed at redeveloping the Hayes Town Estate and Avondale Drive Estate. While the project progresses, with Phase 1A at Avondale Drive nearing completion, the committee's discussions were framed by the broader financial pressures facing the council. The regeneration efforts, driven by issues with building condition and anti-social behaviour, are a long-term investment in the borough's infrastructure and housing stock. The committee also reviewed the General Fund Capital Programme, proposing an investment of £228.8 million over five years, and the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Capital Programme, with a proposed £522.2 million investment. These substantial capital commitments will need careful management in light of the projected revenue overspends.

Link to the Corporate Resources & Infrastructure Select Committee meeting

Other Matters

• The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for a Tesco Express in West Drayton. The application, which includes the sale of alcohol and late-night refreshment, has attracted objections from existing local businesses and residents concerned about potential increases in street drinking and anti-social behaviour. The committee will weigh these concerns against the licensing objectives and the applicant's proposed conditions. Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting
• The CABINET is set to discuss a revised Local Development Scheme, crucial for the council's future planning policy. They will also consider a proposal to lower the age range of Whiteheath Infant & Nursery School to include two-year-olds, and receive an update on the Temporary Accommodation Action Plan, which highlights ongoing pressures due to high demand for homelessness services. Several reports on corporate disposals and contract awards are also on the agenda. Link to the CABINET meeting
• The Shareholder Committee will meet to discuss director appointments for council-owned companies, Hillingdon First Ltd and The Hillingdon Care Company. A significant portion of this meeting will be held in private to discuss exempt information. Link to the Shareholder Committee meeting
• The Hillingdon Planning Committee will consider several planning applications, including a proposal for a new six-bedroom house in Sweetcroft Lane, an expansion of the Ariel Hotel to include an apart-hotel building, and residential conversions in Ruislip. Link to the Hillingdon Planning Committee meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• The Hillingdon Planning Committee on Wednesday 14 January 2026 will convene.
• The CABINET on Thursday 15 January 2026 will convene.
• The Shareholder Committee on Thursday 15 January 2026 will convene.
• The Licensing Sub-Committee on Monday 12 January 2026 will convene.
• The Council on Thursday 22 January 2026 will convene.
• The Health and Social Care Select Committee on Tuesday 20 January 2026 will convene.

This week in Hillingdon:

Council Discusses Key Issues in Cabinet Meeting

The CABINET convened this week. No video was provided.

This week in Hillingdon:

Heathrow Expansion Plans Raise Noise and Air Pollution Fears

The Hillingdon Planning Committee met to discuss a proposal from Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL) for enabling works to allow the implementation of full runway alternation during easterly operations at Heathrow Airport. The plans have sparked concerns about increased noise and air pollution, particularly for residents in Longford Village.

• Runway Alternation: The works aim to allow regular departures on the northern runway (Runway 09L) and arrivals on the southern runway (Runway 09R) during easterly operations, which currently don't have runway alternation due to the Cranford Agreement¹.
• Noise Impact: While the council acknowledges that approximately 62,100 people would benefit from reduced noise, 39,600 would experience an increase, with 15,400 facing moderate adverse effects.
• Air Quality Concerns: The site lies within an Air Quality Management Area, and the proposed changes in aircraft movements could worsen air pollution, especially in Longford. The council's Air Quality Specialist raised concerns about the omission of sensitive receptors and lack of ultrafine particle (UFP) assessment.
• Mitigation Proposals: HAL has proposed noise and air quality mitigation packages, including noise mitigation for residential properties, schools insulation, and an air quality contribution to mitigate impacts in Longford.

The decision on this application could have significant implications for the health and well-being of residents living near Heathrow Airport.

Link to the Hillingdon Planning Committee meeting

Northwood Residents Object to Residential Development

The Hillingdon Planning Committee also discussed an application for a residential development at 78 High Street, Northwood. The application seeks permission for the demolition of existing rear workshop buildings and the construction of 2 self-contained flats and 1 dwellinghouse.

• Resident Opposition: A petition with 58 signatures and eleven separate representations have been received in objection to the proposal, as well as objections from the Northwood Residents Association and a local Ward Councillor.
• Concerns Raised: The main concerns include land ownership and boundary accuracy, the inclusion of car parking on public pavement, potential overdevelopment of the site, and the impact on the existing ground floor retail unit.
• Car-Free Development: The application now proposes a car-free development with a corrected site boundary and design amendments that address earlier concerns raised by Planning Officers.

The decision on this application will impact the character of the Old Northwood Area of Special Local Character and the quality of life for local residents.

Link to the Hillingdon Planning Committee meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• The CABINET on Tuesday 23 December 2025 will convene.