The Hillingdon Planning Committee approved several significant development projects during its recent meeting (14 July), promising a boost to local tourism, housing, and community sports facilities.
The committee granted planning permission for the Premier Inn at Riverside Way in Uxbridge, allowing for a partial change of use and the construction of a new three-storey rear extension. The project will deliver 37 additional hotel bedrooms, largely by converting the space formerly occupied by the Beefeater restaurant and extending the central wing of the building.
The development was supported by officers who noted a “balanced assessment” against the local plan and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Despite the site being slightly outside the primary hotel growth zone, it is within a 15-minute walk of Uxbridge town centre, and the extension is seen as meeting an “unmet need for tourist accommodation” in the area.
Councillors raised questions regarding fire safety and parking, noting that while 13 parking spaces will be lost, the remaining 103 spaces (0.9 per room) were deemed acceptable given the removal of the high-traffic restaurant use.
A major upward extension on Yeading Lane was also approved, which will provide 14 new residential units. The project involves adding two storeys to the existing building, which currently houses retail units and five flats. While the retail shops on the ground floor will be retained, the current hot food takeaway will be replaced by a new residential lobby.
A key point of discussion for the committee was the high level of traffic congestion on Yeading Lane, which serves three local schools. In response, Councillor Darran Davies successfully proposed an amendment to the construction management plan to strictly prohibit delivery and construction vehicles from accessing the site during peak school hours (8:00–9:00 am and 3:00–4:00 pm).
The development will be “car-free,” meaning future residents will not be eligible for local parking permits, a measure intended to prevent further strain on local streets.
In a win for local sports enthusiasts, the committee unanimously approved the installation of new floodlighting at the Hayes Hawks BMX Track. The plan involves placing lighting columns around the perimeter of the existing track to allow for training and use during the dark winter months.
Concerns regarding the environmental impact on local wildlife, including bats, were addressed by an ecological report which confirmed the lighting glare would not endanger local species.
The track is situated over 100 metres from the nearest residential properties, ensuring the new lights will not cause a nuisance to neighbours.
In addition, the committee approved the conversion of the former Barclays Bank in Ruislip into a mixed-use development with five flats.
A decision regarding a proposed five-flat development at on Murray Road in Northwood was deferred pending a site visit to further assess its impact on local daylight and parking.
