The Hillingdon Planning Committee convened to discuss several planning applications, approving a new bungalow in Northwood, new football pitches in Ruislip, and a mezzanine floor for a retail unit in South Ruislip. Councillor Henry Higgins, Chair of the Hillingdon Planning Committee, recused himself from a portion of the meeting due to a declared conflict of interest.

Land to the rear of 18 Moor Park Road, Northwood

The committee approved the construction of a detached bungalow to the rear of 18 Moor Park Road, Northwood, despite objections from a petitioner and local residents. The proposal includes associated parking, landscaping, cycle parking, and refuse storage.

The main concerns raised by objectors included:

• Adverse visual impact on the street scene.
• The development being the only property on that side of Grove Road.
• Harm due to the loss of rear garden space.
• Potential harm to neighbouring mature trees.
• Potential harm to the residential amenities of neighbouring properties through changes to outlook, loss of natural light and increased overlooking.

The agent for the applicant addressed the committee, noting that the applicant had worked closely with planning officers to resolve issues raised in previous applications, and that the revised scheme differed significantly in scale, design, and layout.

Officers noted that the scheme contributed to housing needs, complied with planning policies and its scale had been significantly reduced. They advised that in their opinion refusal would likely be unsuccessfully defended at appeal.

The committee approved the application, with one member abstaining.

Club House, Middlesex Stadium, Breakspear Road, Ruislip

The committee approved the construction of natural grass football pitches at Middlesex Stadium, Breakspear Road, Ruislip. The plans include the use of imported soils approved by the Environment Agency¹, a rainwater harvesting scheme, extensive planting, and habitat creation. Councillor Peter Smallwood addressed the committee in support of the application, highlighting its importance for grassroots football, community life, and the legacy of Hillingdon Borough Football Club.

The committee approved the application unanimously, subject to a minor typographical amendment to condition 4.

Unit 2 Ruislip Retail Park, Victoria Road

The committee approved the installation of a mezzanine floor within Unit 2 of Ruislip Retail Park, Victoria Road, for retail purposes, including an ancillary cafe and back-of-house storage.

The committee heard that the new unit would benefit the local area by creating business opportunities and jobs.

The approval was subject to a section 106 legal agreement and conditions. The legal agreement includes:

• An air quality mitigation contribution of £40,396.
• A construction employment training scheme.
• An end-user employment scheme.
• A project management and monitoring fee.

Other Matters

The committee also approved the minutes of the previous meeting and confirmed that all items of business would be considered in public. Councillor Henry Higgins declared a non-pecuniary interest in the application for land to the rear of 18 Moor Park Road, Northwood, as he had met the applicant during a local ward surgery, and left the room during the discussion of that item.