The Hillingdon Planning Committee convened on Wednesday, 9th April 2025, to discuss and determine several planning applications. Key decisions included the approval of five planning applications, with one application deferred for a member site visit.

Planning Applications Approved

The committee approved several planning applications, with recommendations from officers being accepted in most cases.

2nd/ 9th Ruislip Scout Group, 18 St Catherines Road, Ruislip

The committee approved the variation of conditions related to approved plans, tree protection, and landscaping for the replacement scout hut building. The amendments included changes to accessibility, such as an external ramp and disabled parking, minor adjustments to the building's positioning, and alterations to fenestration, including the repositioning of a fire exit door. These changes were deemed to have a negligible impact on the street scene and neighbouring amenity.

148 – 154 High Street, Uxbridge

Planning permission was granted for the demolition of existing buildings and the construction of a mixed-use development. This includes a hotel (Use Class C1), residential co-living accommodation (Class Sui Generis), and commercial floorspace (Use Class E). The development will also feature public realm improvements, a new pocket park, and basement parking. The approval was subject to amendments to conditions, a stage 2 referral to the Mayor of London, and the completion of a Section 106 agreement. Concerns raised by councillors included the adequacy of parking for the car-free development and the impact on retail space. Officers clarified that the co-living units were designed for long-term tenants and that the development aimed to enhance town centre vitality.

10 Frays Avenue, West Drayton

The committee approved the erection of a single-storey rear extension, amendments to the side extension roof, an extension to the existing loft conversion, enlargement of a rear dormer window, and the addition of render and insulation to external walls. This approval was in accordance with the officer's recommendation and subject to amendments to conditions. Objections from residents and the Ward Councillor focused on the construction on the boundary wall, potential commercial use of a room, and the proximity to neighbouring properties. Officers addressed these concerns, clarifying that the development complied with policies regarding the Area of Special Local Character and neighbour amenity.

44 Frays Avenue, West Drayton

The application for the demolition and reconstruction of a new build family home was approved, subject to amendments to Condition 4 and the inclusion of a new condition as detailed in the Addendum Report. Objections from residents and the Ward Councillor centred on the impact on the Area of Special Local Character, the proposed three-storey height, and the scale and design of the building. Officers clarified that the property was considered a two-storey dwelling with loft accommodation and that the scale was comparable to existing properties in the street. The approval was granted with amendments to conditions to ensure the property's character and amenity were maintained.

18 & 20 Wilmar Close, Hayes

A decision on the application for the change of use of two outbuildings to granny annexes was deferred for a member site visit. This decision was made after extensive discussion regarding concerns raised by residents about potential misuse of the annexes, including claims of the properties being used as unlicensed Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). The agent for the application highlighted the intention for the annexes to house the applicant's elderly parents and stated that any change of use to self-contained dwellings would require separate planning permission. Councillors sought further clarification on various aspects, leading to the decision for a site visit to better assess the proposal.

Planning Policy Context

The Hillingdon Planning Committee operates under a framework of national, regional, and local planning policies. These include the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), The London Plan, and Hillingdon's own Local Plan (Parts 1 and 2). These policies guide decisions on planning applications, focusing on aspects such as design quality, residential amenity, highway safety, flood risk, and the protection of heritage assets and the environment. The committee's decisions are made with due regard to these policies and any material considerations presented during the meeting.