The Hillingdon Planning Committee convened on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, to discuss and make decisions on several planning applications. Key decisions included the approval of a new six-bedroom house with a basement in Hillingdon East, the approval of extensions and a new apart-hotel building at the Ariel Hotel in Heathrow Villages, and the approval of five new flats in Ruislip. The committee also considered an application for facade alterations at Waitrose in Ruislip.

Demolition of existing house and erection of a two-storey, new build house at 47 Sweetcroft Lane, Hillingdon East

The committee approved the demolition of the existing house at 47 Sweetcroft Lane and the erection of a new two-storey, six-bedroom house with a basement and a garage outbuilding. This decision followed a previous application that was withdrawn due to concerns about its siting, design, and massing, as well as the impact on the street scene and the Hillingdon Court Park Area of Special Local Character¹. The revised scheme addresses these concerns with reduced massing and height, and an enhanced landscaping plan. A petition with 41 signatures was received in objection, raising concerns about overdevelopment, impact on neighbouring amenity, and tree removal. However, officers deemed the proposal acceptable, noting that two category C and U trees would be removed, which have the lowest value. The proposal was considered to comply with relevant policies regarding design, residential amenity, highways, and trees.

Reconfiguration, alteration, and extension of the Ariel Hotel, 118 Bath Road, Heathrow Villages

Planning permission was granted for the reconfiguration, alteration, and extension of the existing Ariel Hotel to provide additional hotel rooms, along with the erection of a new apart-hotel building on the car park land to the north. The proposal includes a two-storey upward extension to the existing hotel, increasing its capacity from 186 to 299 guest rooms, and a new four-storey apart-hotel building with 99 units. The car park will be reduced by 63 spaces. The decision was subject to a Section 106 legal agreement to secure contributions for air quality mitigation, carbon offsetting, employment and training schemes, and healthy streets initiatives. Concerns were raised by the Harlington Conservation Area Advisory Panel and a resident regarding scale, design, amenity impacts, parking, and construction disruption. However, officers concluded that the development would preserve the character of the area, with no objections from the Urban Design Officer, Landscape Officer, or Highways Officer. Conditions were imposed regarding materials, construction management, and accessibility.

Creation of 5 self-contained flats at 82-84 High Street, Ruislip

The committee approved the creation of five self-contained flats at 82-84 High Street, Ruislip, following a change of use of the first floor from office (Class E) to residential (Class C3). The proposal includes a two-storey rear extension and alterations to the building. This decision followed a previous refusal and dismissed appeal, with the current scheme addressing concerns regarding outlook, amenity, and the tunnelling effect of a boundary fence. The revised design includes an enlarged communal terrace, improved private amenity space for one flat, and a further setback of the boundary fence. While four of the five units still rely on communal amenity space, the proximity to public open spaces and the town centre location were considered mitigating factors. The proposal was found to preserve the character and appearance of the Ruislip Village Conservation Area and the Locally Listed building.

Facade alteration for the installation of an On Demand Grocery Hatch at 9 Kingsend, Ruislip

Planning permission was granted for facade alterations at 9 Kingsend, Ruislip for the installation of an On Demand Grocery hatch at ground floor level, with an associated parking space for delivery vehicles. The hatch will allow for the collection of online orders without delivery drivers needing to enter the store. A condition was imposed requiring an Operational Management Plan to control delivery operations and prevent misuse of pedestrian footpaths. The Highways Team raised initial concerns about fly-parking, which were addressed by the allocation of a dedicated parking space. The proposal was considered a minor addition with no detrimental impact on the character of the building or surrounding area, and minimal disruption to residential amenities due to the separation distance.