The Hillingdon Planning Committee met on Tuesday 21 April 2026 to discuss a range of planning applications. Key decisions included the approval of a new Hillingdon Watersports Facility and Activity Centre at Broadwater Lake, Harefield, despite environmental concerns, and the redevelopment of the Rainbow and Kirby Industrial Estate in Yiewsley for residential, commercial, and industrial use. The committee also approved several householder applications for extensions and conversions.

Broadwater Lake Redevelopment Approved Despite Environmental Concerns

The committee granted planning permission for the redevelopment of Broadwater Lake in Harefield to create the Hillingdon Watersports Facility and Activity Centre. This project aims to replace the former Hillingdon Outdoor Activity Centre (HOAC), which was displaced by HS2 construction. The proposal includes the demolition of the existing Broadwater Lake Sailing Club clubhouse and the construction of new facilities for water and land-based activities, alongside ecological enhancements.

Concerns were raised by various environmental groups, including the Harts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, London Wildlife Trust, Buglife, Butterfly Conservation, and the RSPB, regarding the potential harm to the Mid Colne Valley Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and its wildlife, particularly birds and European eels. Objections also focused on the impact on the Green Belt and the suitability of Broadwater Lake as a location.

However, the council's officers, supported by independent consultants Arup, concluded that the revised scheme, which significantly reduced its scale and intensity, incorporated extensive mitigation and enhancement measures, and focused development on existing hardstanding, would not cause substantial harm. Natural England and the Environment Agency confirmed they had no objections, subject to stringent planning conditions. The council argued that the significant social, educational, and community benefits of reinstating the facility, particularly for disadvantaged and disabled users, clearly outweighed the identified harms to the Green Belt and SSSI. Very special circumstances were deemed to exist to justify the development in the Green Belt.

The committee also heard from Mark Johnson, representing the Broadwater Sailing Club, who raised concerns about the relocation of the club to the southern end of the lake, citing issues with launching conditions, reduced sailing area, and insufficient facilities. Angie Fenton, the applicant's agent, and Peter Bentley, an RYA expert, addressed these concerns, stating that while the northern shore was optimal for sailing, the southern location was adequate within the overall context of the development and that the facility itself would be state-of-the-art. Councillor Eddie Lavery, Ward Councillor for Ickenham and South Harefield, spoke in support of the officer's recommendation.

Ultimately, the committee voted unanimously to approve the application, subject to a Section 106 legal agreement and planning conditions.

Rainbow and Kirby Industrial Estate Redevelopment Approved

The committee also approved the residential-led redevelopment of the Rainbow and Kirby Industrial Estates on Trout Road, Yiewsley. This significant project involves the demolition of existing structures and the phased construction of nine buildings ranging from three to eleven storeys in height. The development will provide 433 homes, including 128 affordable homes (35% by habitable room), alongside light industrial workshop space and ground-floor commercial units. New areas of public open space and improved connections between Yiewsley High Street and the Grand Union Canal are also included.

Concerns were raised regarding the height and scale of the proposed buildings, potential impacts on neighbouring amenity, and the provision of parking and play space. Officers noted that while the development would be taller than some surrounding properties, it was considered appropriate for the edge-of-town centre location and the need to optimise housing density. The scheme was deemed to comply with relevant planning policies, and the provision of affordable housing, public open space, and improved connections were highlighted as significant benefits. The development was approved subject to a Section 106 legal agreement and planning conditions.

Other Planning Decisions

The committee also made the following decisions:

• 29 Clammas Way, Uxbridge: Full planning permission was unanimously approved for the demolition of an existing bungalow and the erection of two three-bedroom dwellings. Despite objections from local residents regarding overdevelopment and harm to the street scene, officers highlighted the council's housing land supply shortfall, engaging the 'tilted balance' in favour of development. The proposal was deemed to meet relevant standards and not cause significant harm.
• 38 Frays Avenue, West Drayton: Full planning permission was unanimously approved for a loft conversion, including a 60cm increase in ridge height and the addition of rooflights. Objections were raised by local residents and Councillor Jan Sweeting regarding the impact on the Garden City Area of Special Local Character. However, officers argued that the increase was modest, the crown roof element was subordinate and screened from view, and that the precedent set by other developments on the street made refusal difficult to defend on appeal.
• Land at Avondale Drive, Wood End: Reserved Matters approval was granted for the remaining phases of development, consistent with the previously approved Section 73 application. This includes the layout, scale, appearance, and landscaping for 266 homes.
• 1 & 1a Bath Road, Heathrow: Reserved Matters approval was granted for the landscaping proposals for a six-storey, 237-bedroom hotel. The landscaping scheme was deemed comprehensive and exceeded the Urban Greening Factor target.
• 9 Pastures Mead, Hillingdon: Full planning permission was unanimously approved for a single-storey rear extension and the conversion of a detached garage into a gym with a WC. Concerns about the garage conversion and protected trees were addressed by officers, who confirmed that the garage conversion was ancillary and that the protected oak tree would not be impacted.
• 163 Eastcote Road, Ruislip: Full planning permission was unanimously approved for the demolition and rebuild of a front porch and the construction of a single-storey wrap-around side and rear extension. The proposal was considered acceptable in terms of design, scale, and impact on neighbouring amenity, despite a member call-in.
• Highview Farm, Newyears Green Lane, Harefield: Full planning permission was unanimously approved for the construction of a replacement Waste Transfer Station Building. The proposal was considered acceptable as it involved the redevelopment of previously developed land within an existing waste management site and would not cause substantial harm to Green Belt openness. Extended operating hours were also approved, with noise assessments indicating no unacceptable impacts.

The meeting concluded with a farewell to Councillor Roy Chamdal, who was stepping down after 12 years of service.