This week in Hillingdon:

Gaming Machine Increase at Local Pub Sparks Debate

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Wednesday, 3 June 2026, to consider an application that could see an increase in the number of gaming machines at J.J. Moons Public House in Ruislip Manor. The application, submitted by J.D. Wetherspoon PLC, sought to increase the number of Category C gaming machines from five to six.

This decision, made under the Gambling Act 2005, hinges on the council's duty to uphold three key licensing objectives: preventing gambling from being a source of crime and disorder, ensuring gambling is conducted fairly and openly, and protecting children and other vulnerable persons from harm. While the report pack detailed the technical aspects of gaming machines and relevant codes of practice, the ultimate impact on the local community, particularly regarding potential increases in gambling-related harm, was a central consideration. The report did not specify whether the application was ultimately approved or refused.

Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting

Housing Developments and a Place of Worship Application Dominate Planning Committee

The Hillingdon Planning Committee convened on Thursday, 4 June 2026, making decisions on a range of planning applications, with a particular focus on new housing developments and a controversial change of use application.

New Homes Approved Across the Borough

The committee granted approval for several new housing developments, signalling a continued effort to boost the borough's housing supply. These included:

• Land adjacent to 7 Wepham Close: Permission was given for five new two-storey, three-bedroom homes. While some units slightly missed the ideal private amenity space, the overall quality and internal space were deemed acceptable.
• Land at Austin Road (Hayes Town Centre): Reserved Matters were approved for Phases 2 and 3 of a development that will deliver townhouses, apartments, a new community centre, and public open space. This project is seen as a significant benefit, providing much-needed housing and community facilities.
• Hayes Park West: The redevelopment of a multi-storey car park to provide 52 new homes, landscaping, and play space was approved. This development, situated on Green Belt land, was deemed appropriate as it is on previously developed land and will not cause substantial harm to the openness of the Green Belt.
• Land at Rushmoor Close: Approval was granted for two new two-storey detached homes. This development was considered to preserve the character of the Eastcote Village Conservation Area and contribute to the borough's housing supply, especially given the current inability to demonstrate a five-year supply of deliverable housing sites.

Artificial Grass Pitch at Haydon School Gets Green Light

An Artificial Grass Pitch (AGP) at Haydon School, complete with fencing, floodlights, and a storage container, was approved. This aims to improve all-weather sports facilities for the school and the community. Despite resident concerns about noise, light pollution, and traffic, the committee concluded that the sporting and community benefits outweighed these issues, particularly after revisions were made to address previous concerns.

Change of Use at Technology House Refused

In contrast, an application for a change of use at Technology House was refused. The proposal sought to change the use from storage and distribution and commercial business to include a place of worship and religious instruction. The refusal was primarily due to concerns about inadequate pedestrian and vehicular access, insufficient parking, unaddressed flood risk, and a lack of secured planning obligation for air quality mitigation.

Preparatory Works for Data Centre Approved

Enabling works, including site clearance and ground preparation, were approved at Hayes Bridge Retail Park. These are preparatory steps for the construction of a data centre campus, which has already received planning permission. The committee noted that these works are temporary and reversible, facilitating the delivery of a project with significant economic benefits.

Link to the Hillingdon Planning Committee meeting

Other Matters

Licensing Sub-Committee Considers Gaming Machine Application

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Wednesday, 3 June 2026, to consider an application to vary a Licensed Premises Gaming Machine Permit for J.J. Moons Public House. The application sought to increase the number of Category C gaming machines from five to six. The committee's decision would be guided by the Gambling Act 2005 and the council's Statement of Gambling Principles, with a focus on the three licensing objectives: preventing crime and disorder, ensuring fair and open gambling, and protecting vulnerable persons. The report pack did not contain information on the outcome of this application.

Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting

This week in Hillingdon:

New Pub Licence Sparks Resident Concerns Over Noise and Nuisance

A new application for a Premises Licence for The Smoking Jacket, a proposed establishment at The Old Forge, Rickmansworth Road, Northwood, has ignited concerns among local residents and the Northwood Residents' Association. The application, submitted by A & P Mehta Limited, seeks permission to sell alcohol for consumption both on and off the premises, with proposed operating hours extending late into the evening, including special allowances for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

Residents have voiced objections, citing fears of public nuisance and potential increases in crime and disorder. Concerns centre on potential noise from patrons, cigar smoke, and parking issues, questioning the suitability of the location for such a venue.

In response to these objections, the applicant has proposed amendments, including ceasing alcohol sales 30 minutes before closing and agreeing to a set of conditions. These conditions aim to mitigate potential issues by implementing a dispersal policy, managing external area usage, and ensuring quiet departure from the premises.

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Thursday, 28 May 2026, to consider this application. The outcome of this decision will directly impact the local environment and the quality of life for residents in Northwood.

Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting

This week in Hillingdon:

Council Gears Up for Annual Mayor Election and Committee Reviews

The Council convened on Thursday, 14 May 2026, for its annual meeting, a cornerstone event that sets the tone for the municipal year. The primary focus was the election of the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor, alongside a comprehensive review of the work undertaken by the Council's Select Committees over the past year. These proceedings, while procedural, are fundamental to the democratic functioning of the council and the representation of residents' interests.

New Mayor and Deputy Mayor to Lead the Council

The election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor is a significant moment, marking the formal commencement of the new civic year. The outgoing Mayor was set to deliver a summary of their term, followed by nominations and the declaration of the elected officials. The new Mayor, upon acceptance of their office, would then make announcements, and a vote of thanks would be extended to the outgoing Mayor. This tradition underscores the continuity and accountability within local governance.

Select Committees Present Annual Reports

A substantial part of the meeting was dedicated to the annual reports from the Council's Select Committees: Corporate Resources & Infrastructure, Children, Families & Education, Residents' Services, and Health & Social Care. These reports offer a vital overview of the scrutiny and oversight activities undertaken by each committee, providing residents with insight into how their council is performing across a wide range of services.

• Corporate Resources & Infrastructure Select Committee: This committee's report was expected to detail its oversight of financial management, procurement, digital services, and property assets. A particular focus was anticipated on the review of Maximising Council Spaces: A Review of Business and Private Hire Opportunities, aiming to address underutilised council-owned spaces.
• Children, Families & Education Select Committee: The committee's report was to highlight its scrutiny of services for children and families, with a focus on Corporate Parenting, fostering services, and budget pressures related to children's placements and SEND[^1].
• Residents' Services Select Committee: This committee's report was to cover its oversight of housing, planning, waste management, and community safety. The finalisation of its review into Homelessness Prevention and the Customer Journey was a key anticipated item.
• Health and Social Care Select Committee: The committee's report was to detail its scrutiny of adult social care, public health, and its statutory health scrutiny role with NHS organisations. A major review into early intervention and prevention in Adult Social Care was expected to be a significant theme.

These reports are crucial for holding the council accountable and ensuring that services are delivered effectively and efficiently, particularly for vulnerable groups.

Link to the Council meeting

Children, Families, Health & Care Select Committee Elects New Leadership

The Children, Families, Health & Care Select Committee met on Thursday, 14 May 2026, in a brief session primarily focused on electing its Chair and Vice-Chair for the upcoming 2026/27 municipal year. Councillor Ekta Gohil was elected as Chair, and Councillor Jane Palmer as Vice-Chair. This leadership transition is a standard part of the council's annual cycle, ensuring the committee has the necessary guidance to undertake its scrutiny and oversight responsibilities.

Link to the Children, Families, Health & Care Select Committee meeting

This week in Hillingdon:

Council Boosts Fostering Support and Approves £8.2 Million Highways Programme

Hillingdon Council's Cabinet met on Thursday, 23 April 2026, making key decisions that will enhance support for foster carers and children, and improve the borough's infrastructure. The meeting saw the approval of recommendations to bolster fostering services, a significant investment in road and pavement maintenance, and the amalgamation of two local schools.

Enhanced Support for Foster Carers and Children

The Cabinet fully endorsed recommendations from the Children, Families & Education Select Committee aimed at improving the council's fostering provision. These changes, developed with input from officers, foster carers, and young people, focus on better supporting children in care, recruiting and retaining more carers, and ensuring stable placements.

Key improvements include:

• Better Information for Young People: A new 'Introduction Pack for Children' and a 'Voice of the Child' section in 'All About Me' profiles will ensure young people are better informed and heard.
• Specialist Foster Carer Training: Training pathways will be developed to equip carers to support young people with complex needs.
• Strengthened Peer Support: Existing networks for foster carers will be enhanced to provide mutual support.

These initiatives are vital for the well-being of vulnerable children in the borough, aiming to provide them with the stability and care they need to thrive.

£8.2 Million Investment in Roads and Footways

The Highways Improvement Programme for 2026/27 received Cabinet approval, allocating £8.2 million to essential road and pavement maintenance. This funding will cover resurfacing, drainage improvements, and road marking upgrades across the borough. The programme will be financed through the Council's capital programme, supplemented by £3.2 million in grant funding from the Department for Transport.

This investment is crucial for ensuring the safety and accessibility of our streets for all residents, particularly the elderly and those with mobility issues. Transparency will be maintained, with all planned schemes to be published on the Council's website.

Whitehall Infant and Junior Schools to Amalgamate

In response to declining birth rates and pupil numbers, the Cabinet approved the amalgamation of Whitehall Infant School and Whitehall Junior School. From 1 September 2026, the two schools will merge into a single primary school catering for children aged 3 to 11. This decision, aligned with the Council's Infant and Junior School Amalgamation Policy, aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of both schools by creating economies of scale and a more consistent educational experience. The Children, Families and Education Select Committee supported this proposal, recognising its potential to improve educational outcomes.

Temporary Accommodation Strategy Shows Progress

The Cabinet received an update on the Temporary Accommodation Strategy and Action Plan, noting continued progress in managing homelessness. There has been a reduction in new temporary accommodation placements and an increase in residents moving into the private rented sector. Cost control measures have also been effective. Despite these positive trends, high demand persists, influenced by factors such as private sector evictions and family breakdowns.

Commercial Contracts Awarded

Several significant commercial contracts were also approved:

• Commercial Gas Contract: A three-year contract, with an option to extend, was awarded to BSW Heating Ltd for the servicing, repairs, and maintenance of commercial gas-fired heating installations, valued at approximately £490,000 per annum.
• Highways Term Service Contract: A seven-year contract was awarded to O'Hara Bros. Surfacing Ltd for highways maintenance, with an estimated value of up to £99.4 million.
• Furniture for Short-Term Lets: 4 Front Furniture LTD secured a contract for the supply and installation of furniture and white goods for short-term let properties, valued at an estimated £685,000 per year.

Residential Care Home Development Approved

Cabinet agreed to proceed with developing the Civic Centre Car Park site in Uxbridge into a 162-bed residential care home. This decision, considered urgent due to its importance for social care savings, includes appointing Hunter and Partners Ltd for architectural services and allocating £488,211 for surveys, planning fees, and contingency. The Hillingdon Care Company is expected to enter into a leaseback arrangement upon completion.

Link to the CABINET meeting

Residents' Services Committee Reviews Budget Pressures and HMO Controls

The Residents' Services Select Committee met on Wednesday, 22 April 2026, to discuss the council's budget, homelessness prevention, and the regulatory framework for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). The committee noted significant budget pressures, particularly within the Homes and Communities directorate, and reviewed measures to control the impact of HMOs on local neighbourhoods.

Budget Overspend and Homelessness Pressures

The committee reviewed the council's budget monitoring position as of January 2026, which indicated a projected net overspend of £36.3 million. Within the Residents' Services remit, a £7.4 million overspend was forecast, largely driven by increased demand for homelessness support. The Homes and Communities directorate alone projected a £7.2 million overspend. These figures highlight the considerable financial strain on services designed to support vulnerable residents.

Controlling Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)

A key discussion point was the council's legal and policy framework for HMOs. An Article 4 Direction, implemented in December 2025, now requires planning permission for all new conversions to small HMOs across the borough. Furthermore, additional licensing controls will be introduced from 20 May 2026, requiring HMOs occupied by three or more persons from two or more households to be licensed.

These measures are a direct response to concerns about the density of HMOs, which can contribute to housing hazards, anti-social behaviour, and strain on local infrastructure. The report indicated that 30% of HMOs in Hillingdon are predicted to have serious housing hazards, three times the national average.

Sport and Physical Activity for Young People

The committee also received an update on programmes promoting sport and physical activity for young people. Data showed that Hillingdon has slightly lower physical activity levels than the London average. Various initiatives, including Disability Sport and Junior parkrun, are in place to encourage movement and healthy lifestyles.

Link to the Residents' Services Select Committee meeting

Planning Committee Considers Major Redevelopment Projects

The Hillingdon Planning Committee met on Tuesday, 21 April 2026, to consider several significant planning applications, including a major watersports facility at Broadwater Lake and a large-scale residential and commercial development at the Rainbow and Kirby Industrial Estate.

Hillingdon Watersports Facility at Broadwater Lake

Plans for the redevelopment of Broadwater Lake to create a new Hillingdon Watersports Facility and Activity Centre were presented. The proposal includes demolishing the existing sailing club clubhouse and constructing a new building with extensive facilities, pontoons, a camping area, and ecological enhancements. The recommendation was for approval, subject to a Section 106 agreement¹.

Rainbow and Kirby Industrial Estate Redevelopment

A phased redevelopment of the Rainbow and Kirby Industrial Estate in Yiewsley was also considered. This ambitious project involves constructing nine buildings ranging from three to 11 storeys, providing residential units, retail spaces, and light industrial floorspace. The recommendation was for approval, subject to a Section 106 agreement.

Several other applications for new dwellings, loft conversions, and extensions were also reviewed, with recommendations for approval in most cases.

Link to the Hillingdon Planning Committee meeting