The Hillingdon Planning Committee approved recommendations for all planning applications considered at its meeting. These included a four-phased redevelopment to deliver a data centre campus on Uxbridge Road and the erection of a single-storey detached building for use by the Acorn Youth Club in Ruislip.

Here's a breakdown of the key discussions:

Hayes Bridge Retail Park and Heathrow Interchange Redevelopment

The committee approved a hybrid planning application for a four-phased redevelopment at Hayes Bridge Retail Park and Heathrow Interchange, Uxbridge Road. This includes full planning permission for a data centre building (Phase 1) and outline planning permission for an Innovation Hub (Phase 2) and two further data centre buildings (Phases 3 and 4). All outline phases have reserved matters.

Key points:

• The development involves demolishing existing buildings and constructing three data centres and an innovation hub.
• The innovation hub is designed as affordable workspace for SMEs¹ and community use.
• The committee emphasised that each phase of the application would be brought back to the committee for approval.
• Concerns were raised about securing peppercorn rents for the innovation hub, and officers clarified that this would be enforced through the Section 106 agreement² and lease terms.
• The committee queried the relatively low financial contributions compared to a similar data centre in Abbotts Langley; in response, it was noted that the on-site innovation hub offered direct community benefits, making it a preferable alternative.
• Concerns about Wi-Fi impact were raised, with suggestions for conditions or informatives to ensure local connectivity was not compromised. Officers noted that digital infrastructure was addressed in the London Plan policy and confirmed ducting for full fibre would be included. The Legal Advisor explained that a planning condition on Wi-Fi would not meet the six-part test but supported the addition of an informative. It was agreed that said informative would be drafted by officers in consultation with the Chair, Councillor Henry Higgins, Chair of Hillingdon Planning Committee.

The committee unanimously agreed to the officer's recommendation, subject to a Section 106 legal agreement and the conditions set out in the officer's report.

Acorn Youth Club, Colombia Avenue, Ruislip - 58215/APP/2025/1068

The committee approved the application for a single-storey detached building for use by the Acorn Youth Club, a facility supporting disabled young people since 1993. The proposed building is designed to sit on existing foundations from a previously approved but unbuilt structure.

5 The Meads, Cowley - 27254/APP/2025/1529

The committee approved the application for a single-storey rear extension and double-storey side extensions at 5 The Meads, Cowley.

Key points of discussion:

• A petition objecting to the application cited concerns about the impact on neighbouring properties, loss of light, overshadowing, and the development's character.
• The lead petitioner said that residents at number 7 had expressed concerns that the initial plans resembled an HMO-style property, which would not be in keeping with the street's character.
• The applicant stated that the house was intended for his own family, and the proposed extension complied with planning regulations.
• Ward Councillor Shehryar Ahmad-Wallana objected to the application, citing its negative impact on the neighbouring property at number 7.
• Officers clarified that the site was within an Article 4³ area, meaning any conversion to an HMO would require planning consent and public consultation.
• Councillors raised concerns about the daylight and sunlight impact on neighbouring property number 7. Officers responded that the assessment followed BRE guidance⁴ and confirmed the development did not breach the 27% threshold for significant impact.

Councillor Roy Chamdal declared a non-pecuniary interest in this item and left the meeting during its discussion.

COMAG, Yiewsley - 24843/APP/2024/2316

The committee approved the application for a variation of conditions relating to a previously approved planning permission at COMAG, Yiewsley. The changes include replacing a community hub with a residents' lounge and ancillary space, and other internal and external alterations.

Key points:

• The approved plans and documents were updated.
• The affordable housing contribution was revised following a financial viability review, resulting in an off-site payment of £800,000.
• Councillors welcomed the £800,000 off-site affordable housing contribution and enquired whether the funds were earmarked specifically for genuinely affordable housing. It was confirmed that the cash-in-lieu would be used for developments offering London Affordable Rent (LAR) and could not be diverted elsewhere.
• A question was raised about the construction management plan, specifically regarding wheel washing and operating hours, due to complaints about construction traffic on Tavistock Road. Officers confirmed that a construction management plan condition was already in place and committed to reviewing its details in coordination with the Highways team.

Mead House, Hayes - 12298/APP/2025/1001

The committee approved the application for a change of use at Mead House, Hayes, from healthcare to supported living accommodation for adults with learning disabilities.

Key points:

• The building had previously served as a hostel and had been decommissioned by the NHS in 2023.
• Minimal physical changes are proposed, including a reduction in parking spaces.
• The loss of the healthcare use was deemed acceptable, as services had been relocated elsewhere in the Borough.
• Councillors sought assurances that the property could not be converted into a C4 HMO⁵ without planning permission. It was confirmed that any change of use would require formal approval.