This week in Hillingdon:

Council Approves New Homes and Educational Facilities Amidst Planning Debates

The Hillingdon Planning Committee convened on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, to consider a range of planning applications, with decisions impacting housing, community facilities, and educational spaces across the borough. The meeting saw robust discussion on issues of local character, resident amenity, and the pressing need for housing.

Housing Developments Spark Debate on Local Character and Amenity

The committee debated several significant housing proposals, highlighting the council's commitment to increasing housing supply while addressing resident concerns.

90 Long Lane: Refusal Over Conservation Area Concerns

In a decision that went against officer recommendations, the committee resolved to refuse an application for the demolition of an existing dwelling at 90 Long Lane and the erection of a nine-flat residential building. Councillor Darran Davies moved for refusal, citing concerns about the impact on the Ickenham Village Conservation Area, the scale and bulk of the proposed building, and the resulting harm to the conservation area. Despite the officer's assessment that the harm was less than substantial, the committee voted unanimously for refusal, prioritising the preservation of the conservation area's character over the provision of eight additional homes. This decision reflects a strong emphasis on protecting established local heritage, even when it conflicts with housing targets.

5 Kewferry Road: Care Home Approved Despite Objections

The committee approved the change of use of 5 Kewferry Road from a dwelling to a residential care home for up to four children aged 10 to 17, with associated parking and storage. This decision was made despite objections from residents and a ward councillor concerning the location next to Holy Trinity Primary School and potential highway impacts. The officer's recommendation for approval was based on the identified need for such facilities within the borough and the modest scale of the development. Conditions were imposed to manage staff numbers, occupancy, and visitation times, aiming to mitigate potential concerns. The applicant's agent emphasised that the operator would need to meet stringent Ofsted[^1] requirements, separate from the planning approval.

15 Woodside Road: Extension and Basement Approved with Conditions

Planning permission was granted for a single-storey rear extension and the creation of a basement level at 15 Woodside Road. This decision followed a petition raising concerns about the impact of the basement construction on a protected eucalyptus tree and potential flood risks. The council's Tree Officer raised no objection, subject to conditions, and the Lead Local Flood Authority[^2] was satisfied with the revised drainage plans. Additional conditions were agreed upon to address residents' concerns, including verification reports for tree compliance and basement impact assessments.

Tavistock Works, Tavistock Road: New Flats Approved

The committee approved the demolition of the existing building at Tavistock Works and its replacement with a six-storey residential building comprising 31 flats. This decision was made subject to a Section 106 legal agreement[^3] and conditions. The proposal was recommended for approval by officers, despite objections from residents concerning daylight and sunlight reduction, privacy, and the overbearing nature of the design. The committee noted the council's housing land supply shortfall, which carries significant weight in planning decisions.

Uxbridge College, Park Road: Temporary Educational Facility Approved

Permission was granted for the temporary installation of a three-storey Portakabin building for a period of five years at Uxbridge College. This facility will provide additional educational floorspace for construction courses. The decision was made subject to conditions, including the removal of the building and restoration of the site after five years, and a Section 106 agreement for contributions towards air quality mitigation, biodiversity net gain, carbon offset, and training schemes. The temporary nature of the development and the public benefits of increased educational capacity were key factors.

The Lodge, Harmondsworth Lane: SEND School Approved

Planning permission was granted for the change of use of The Lodge and its Annex from offices to a non-residential education centre (SEND school) for pupils aged 5 to 19, with minor external alterations. This will create an 88-place SEND school, which, combined with an approved school at Aviation House, will accommodate up to 128 pupils and 96 staff. The decision was made subject to conditions, including a five-year temporary consent for the building, and a Section 106 agreement for various contributions.

Land at Status Park Nobel Drive: Application Withdrawn

An application for land at Status Park Nobel Drive was withdrawn prior to the meeting.

Link to the Hillingdon Planning Committee meeting

This week in Hillingdon:

Council Approves 11 Planning Applications, Including New Flats and School Facilities

The Hillingdon Planning Committee met on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, and gave the green light to all 11 planning applications before it. These decisions will shape new housing, commercial spaces, and educational facilities across the borough.

New Homes Approved Across Hillingdon

Several applications focused on increasing housing supply. At 44 Murray Road, Northwood, the demolition of an existing house will make way for a new two-storey building containing five self-contained flats. This development, approved subject to a Section 106 legal agreement and conditions, aims to add much-needed homes to the area. Similarly, at 6 Woodgate Crescent, Northwood Hills, permission was granted for a significant extension to an existing property, creating more living space.

A more substantial development at the Hayes Tuition Centre, 52 Coldharbour Lane, Hayes, will see the demolition of the current building to erect a four-storey mixed-use development. This will provide nine new residential units alongside a ground-floor restaurant. Officers deemed the loss of the former tuition centre acceptable due to its vacancy and the provision of a flexible commercial unit.

Further housing is planned at 14 Yeading Lane, Hayes, where a variation of conditions on a previous permission will allow for extended hours of use for a Women's Education and Recreation Institute, with updated management and travel plans. At 23A Frays Avenue, West Drayton, a second-storey extension was approved, building on a previous successful appeal for additional accommodation.

The committee also approved a first-floor extension and loft conversion at Haydon House, 296 Joel Street, Northwood, which will enlarge one flat while maintaining the total number of residential units at eight. Finally, at the Orbital Industrial Estate, Horton Road, Yiewsley, a significant redevelopment will provide modern employment units for flexible use, alongside parking and landscaping, subject to a Section 106 agreement.

New Facilities for Education and Recreation

The committee also approved plans for new facilities that will benefit the community. St Helen's School, Eastbury Road, Northwood, will see the installation of two padel courts under a canopy with floodlighting. These courts will be available for public use outside of school hours, contributing to local recreation and exceeding biodiversity net gain requirements.

At The Pipemakers Arms PH, St John's Road, Uxbridge, permission was granted for the replacement of existing pergolas with new lightweight aluminium-framed external structures for seating. These will be subject to conditions, including restrictions on hours of use and a prohibition on amplified music, to minimise disruption to neighbours.

Enabling works for future redevelopment were approved at 1071 Southampton Road, Heathrow Airport, involving the demolition of existing structures and installation of new utility connections.

Link to the Hillingdon Planning Committee meeting

Licensing Committee Discusses Major Regulatory Updates and Future Plans

The Licensing Committee met on Thursday, 8 October 2026, to review significant legislative and industry updates that will impact licensing across London and Hillingdon. The committee also discussed its future work programme and ratified minutes from previous sub-committee meetings.

New Powers for the Mayor of London and Evolving Licensing Landscape

A key discussion point was the introduction of strategic licensing powers for the Greater London Authority (GLA) and the Mayor of London, effective from 29 June 2026. The Mayor now has the power to develop a London-wide Strategic Licensing Policy and has become a Responsible Authority under the Licensing Act 2003. This means the Mayor's office will receive all new and variation applications and can make representations. Hillingdon licensing authorities are now required to consult the Mayor when preparing or revising their Statements of Licensing Policy.

Councillor Peter Smallwood OBE raised concerns about potential conflicts between the Mayor's wider plans and local priorities, suggesting an invitation to a representative from the Mayor's Office to explain these new arrangements. Councillor Philip Corthorne MCIPD acknowledged the potential for increased influence from the Mayor's office but noted that early discussions suggest a collaborative approach. The committee also discussed the potential for a call-in power for the Mayor's office, which could allow them to review decisions made by local authorities if deemed of Potential Strategic Importance.

The committee also noted updates to the Section 182 Guidance under the Licensing Act 2003, which now places a greater emphasis on supporting economic growth and the night-time economy, alongside the four statutory licensing objectives. This shift encourages licensing authorities to consider economic benefits when making decisions.

Changes to Temporary Event Notices and Safeguarding

From January 2027, the maximum number of Temporary Event Notices (TENs) will increase from 15 to 20, and the days covered will rise from 21 to 28. However, the maximum number of guests (499) and the 168-hour limit remain unchanged. Police and environmental health will continue to be the only bodies able to object to TENs.

Safeguarding measures related to spiking were reinforced, with licensed operators encouraged to adopt proactive arrangements. The committee also discussed the Ask for Angela initiative and similar schemes designed to help people in licensed premises.

Other Regulatory Updates and Future Planning

The committee received updates on:

• Martyn's Law: Introducing duties on venues to assess terrorism risks and implement mitigation measures.
• Agent of Change Principle: Placing responsibility for mitigating impacts on new developments near existing licensed premises.
• Gambling Act 2005: The operation of the statutory gambling levy and the anticipation of Gambling Impact Assessments (GIAs) to give local authorities more say in areas with a cluster of gambling premises.
• Digital Proof of Age: Amendments to mandatory conditions on licenses now permit the acceptance of identification in digital form, provided it is from a registered digital verification service.

The committee also discussed its future work programme, requesting updates from Trading Standards and on outstanding actions related to gambling at Heathrow airside premises. The idea of conducting site visits to licensed premises and inviting a licensee to share their experiences was also supported.

Link to the Licensing Committee meeting

This week in Hillingdon:

Pension Fund Navigates Market Volatility with Focus on Long-Term Growth and Responsible Investment

The Hillingdon Pension Fund is actively managing its investments amidst fluctuating market conditions, with a clear focus on long-term growth and increasingly incorporating responsible investment principles. The Pensions Committee met on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, to review the fund's performance, investment strategy, and governance.

Investment Strategy and Fund Performance

The fund's assets have grown to £1.673 billion as of June 2026, driven by strong market gains. The fund achieved an 8.9% return in the second quarter of 2026 and 16.6% over the preceding 12 months. While the five-year annualised return of 6.7% meets the long-term actuarial discount rate, it was noted that performance has lagged behind its benchmark. Listed equities have been the primary driver of returns, benefiting from global market trends and AI-related investments.

The committee discussed the fund's asset allocation, noting a significant overweight in listed equities. An implementation plan is in place to rebalance towards infrastructure, private credit, and private equity. This strategic shift aims to diversify the portfolio and enhance long-term returns.

Councillor Philip Cawthorn raised concerns about the fund underperforming its benchmark, questioning the reasons behind this. Officers explained that this is a common challenge for active managers due to market concentration and the rise of passive investing. The need for clearer attribution in performance reports was highlighted to better understand these variances.

The interim funding valuation showed a positive improvement, with the fund now 124% funded, representing a surplus of £0.33 billion. This strengthened position reduces the required annual return to achieve full funding.

Link to the Pensions Committee meeting

Responsible Investment and Governance Take Centre Stage

The committee received an overview of the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) activities undertaken by the fund managers, including Legal and General Investment Management (LGIM) and London CIV. These activities involve extensive voting on shareholder resolutions and direct engagement with companies on critical issues such as climate transition plans and fossil fuel financing.

Councillor Cawthorn questioned the practicalities of mandating fund managers' voting within the London CIV pooling arrangement. Officers explained the development of a central stewardship and engagement policy to ensure a consistent approach.

A significant focus was placed on governance, with the committee approving an updated training policy and plan for its members. The Fit for the Future regulations mandate a more formalised approach to training, requiring a minimum of 15 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) annually for committee members. The proposed plan includes a structured induction, a 12-month training schedule covering core and enhanced topics, and a competency assessment framework.

Councillor Adam Huddle proposed that training sessions be recorded for accessibility, a suggestion that was met with support. The committee agreed to explore the possibility of monthly formal committee meetings to facilitate more comprehensive training and ongoing engagement with pension fund matters. This proactive approach to training is crucial for ensuring committee members are well-equipped to make informed decisions, especially with an independent governance review scheduled for the following year.

Link to the Pensions Committee meeting

Risk Management and Future Planning

The committee reviewed the pension fund's risk register, identifying 14 risks, with seven currently open and actively managed. An increase in the risk rating for Key Officer Risk was noted due to uncertainties surrounding the implementation of new regulations requiring a Senior Responsible Officer.

Discussions also touched upon the potential impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on future staffing levels and actuarial valuations. The committee agreed to raise these concerns with the actuary at the December meeting, acknowledging the need to understand AI's long-term implications for the pension fund.

The committee noted the administration update, confirming that Hampshire Pension Services successfully processed all cases within service level agreements. The online member portal has seen increased registration, and call answer rates remain high, with no formal complaints received during the reporting period.

Link to the Pensions Committee meeting

This week in Hillingdon:

Council Faces Tough Choices on Waste Services and Business Support

Hillingdon Council is navigating complex decisions that directly impact residents' daily lives and the local economy. Recent council meetings have highlighted significant debates around the closure of a waste recycling centre, the challenges faced by local businesses due to rent increases, and the ongoing opposition to Heathrow Airport expansion. These issues underscore the council's role in balancing service provision, financial sustainability, and the well-being of its community.

West Drayton Waste Centre Closure Sparks Resident Concerns

The permanent closure of the West Drayton Waste Weekend Service has drawn criticism from residents who relied on the facility. Councillor Wayne Bridges, Cabinet Member for Residents' Services, defended the decision at the Council meeting on Thursday, 24 September 2026, stating it was an operational choice driven by financial reviews, projected to save over £300,000 annually.

While alternative services like the Harefield Civic Community Site and an expanded pop-up waste drop-and-go programme are available, many residents, particularly the elderly and those without cars, have expressed concerns about accessibility. The closure was made under delegated authority, with the council stating that formal consultation wasn't required as it didn't remove access to waste disposal services. However, this has led to accusations of a lack of resident engagement, with a motion to pause the closure ultimately being lost by 19 votes to 30.

The debate highlighted the tension between cost-saving measures and the convenience and accessibility of essential services for all residents. The council's commitment to monitoring feedback and service performance aims to address any unforeseen issues arising from the changes.

Link to the Council meeting

Local Businesses Face Rent Hikes Amidst Council's Financial Pressures

Local businesses are feeling the pinch as Hillingdon Council reviews its commercial property portfolio. At the Council meeting on Thursday, 24 September 2026, numerous questions were raised by business owners and councillors regarding significant rent increases and the council's approach to commercial tenancies.

Councillor Nick Denys, Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Property, explained the council's obligation to secure commercial value for residents and taxpayers, stating that rent reviews are individual negotiations. He advised business owners to seek professional advice and highlighted the option of independent arbitration through the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors if agreements cannot be reached. The council also indicated a willingness to consider practical suggestions, stepped rent increases, or negotiated start dates for new market rents to support businesses.

Despite these assurances, a motion proposed by Councillor Jan Sweeting calling for a pause on rent increases and a review of the council's approach was defeated. Critics argued that the council's failure to conduct timely rent reviews had led to substantial backdated costs for businesses, potentially causing closures and harming community cohesion. The council's stance emphasizes adherence to market rents, while acknowledging the need for constructive dialogue and potential mitigation measures for struggling businesses.

Link to the Council meeting

Council Reaffirms Opposition to Heathrow Expansion

Hillingdon Council has once again declared its longstanding and unequivocal opposition to the expansion of Heathrow Airport. At the Council meeting on Thursday, 24 September 2026, a motion moved by Councillor Steve Tuckwell, Leader of the Council, was carried, reaffirming the council's stance against any third runway.

The motion highlighted the unacceptable burden on residents from ongoing development consent order processes and called for sustained government funding to protect local services. It also condemned the Mayor of London's perceived lack of engagement on the issue. A separate motion from the Labour group, focusing on the need for a robust response to the government's consultation on the draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement, saw Labour members abstain, citing partisan language and a lack of practical outcomes in the motion.

This consistent opposition reflects the council's commitment to safeguarding its residents from the environmental and infrastructural impacts of airport expansion, a stance that has been a priority for many years.

Link to the Council meeting

Children's Services Praised as National Improvement Team Provider

Hillingdon has been recognised for its high-quality children's services, being appointed as one of the first six local authorities nationwide to become a Children's Improvement Team provider. Councillor Susan O'Brien, Cabinet Member for Adults, Children, Health & Care, shared this news at the Council meeting on Thursday, 24 September 2026.

This designation by the Department for Education signifies Hillingdon's ability to support other authorities in improving their services. The council was selected through a competitive process, with the Department for Education highlighting Hillingdon's strong track record, experienced leadership, and innovative approaches, including its family help model and multi-agency safeguarding arrangements. This role will not only enhance Hillingdon's national reputation but also provide valuable learning opportunities for its staff, ultimately benefiting local residents.

Link to the Council meeting

New Neurodevelopmental Assessment Service Launched

A new service aimed at improving the assessment process for children with neurodevelopmental conditions has been launched. At the Children, Families, Health & Care Select Committee meeting on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, Andrea Shand, Service Director for CAMHS from CNWL, introduced SHINE (Specialist Hub for Integrated Neurodevelopmental Evaluation).

SHINE addresses long waiting times and fragmented referral routes for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) assessments. By offering a single point of access, a unified waiting list, and combined assessments, the service aims to reduce wait times from 12-24 months to 6-12 months. This initiative is particularly important for ensuring timely support for children and families, reducing duplication of effort, and providing access to resources while waiting for diagnosis.

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