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Hillingdon Planning Committee – 7th May 2025
PART 1 – Members, Public & Press
Report of the Head of Development Management and Building Control
Planning Committee Report
Case Officer: Emilie Bateman 8905/APP/2024/2478
Date Application
Valid:
16.09.24 Statutory / Agreed
Determination
Deadline:
09.06.25
Application
Type:
Full Ward: Ickenham and
South Harefield
Applicant: Mr Soni
Site Address: 90 Long Lane
Proposal: Demolition of the existing detached, single
dwelling and the erection of a building consisting
of 4 no. three-bed flats and 5 no. two-bedroom
flats, with associated parking and amenities.
Summary of
Recommendation:
REFUSE planning permission
Reason Reported
to Committee:
Required under Part 3 of the Planning Scheme of
Delegation (Petition received)
Hillingdon Planning Committee – 7th May 2025
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Summary of Recommendation:
REFUSE planning permission for the reasons specified in
Appendix 1.
1 Executive Summar
y
1.1 Full planning permission is sought for the demolition of the existing detached
dwelling and the erection of a new building comprising 4 three-bedroom flats and
5 two-bedroom flats, with associated parkin
g and amenities.
1.2 The application is presented to Planning Committee following the receipt of three
petitions: one in support of the scheme and two objecting to it.
1.3 A previous application for a similar development (ref: 8905/APP/2023/2419) was
refused by the Planning Committee in April 2024, citing six reasons for refusal
summarised as follows:
x Inappropriate housing mix;
x Harmful impact on character and appearance;
x Adverse effects on neighbouring amenity;
x Highway safety concerns;
x Loss of valuable trees; and
x Inadequate Fire Safety information.
1.4 The current application seeks to address these previous reasons for refusal.
Notably, the proposed housing mix now includes 4 three-bedroom units capable
of supporting family living, aligning with the Hillingdon Local Plan, the London
Plan, and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). However, despite
minor amendments to the design, the siting, scale, width, and massing, the
overall design of the proposed building would continue to result in a harmful
impact on the character, appearance, and visual amenities of the street scene
and the setting of the Ickenham Village Conservation Area. The public benefits
offered would not outweigh the identified ‘less than substantial harm’ to the
Conservation Area.
1.5 In terms of neighbouring amenity, whilst daylight and sunlight impacts have been
adequately addressed, the proposal would still result in an unacceptable sense
of enclosure and loss of outlook for adjoining occupiers, due to the building’s
hei
ght, depth, and bulk.
1.6 Highways concerns raised previously have been satisfactorily resolved. The
revised access arrangements ensure both vehicular and pedestrian safety, and
sufficient on-site parking provision is also proposed. With respect to trees, the
current scheme now retains the previously identified high-value Category A and
B trees. The Council’s Trees and Landscaping Officer has welcomed these
amendments, and the previous reason for refusal on these grounds has been
overcome.
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1.7 The proposal would provide acceptable living accommodation and sufficient
outdoor amenity space for future residents. Furthermore, it would achieve a
biodiversity net gain of approximately 15% and would retain the verdant
character of the site throu
gh tree retention and enhanced landscaping.
1.8 A Fire Statement has now been submitted. However, it fails to fully meet the
requirements of Policy D12 of the London Plan.
1.9 Overall, the proposed development fails to fully overcome the previous reasons
for refusal. The scheme would result in harm to the character and appearance of
Ickenham Village Conservation Area, the streetscene, and the surrounding
context, as well as to the amenity of neighbouring occupiers. While the proposal
delivers some public benefits, including family-sized housing provision, these
benefits do not outwei
gh the identified harms.
1.10 The planning application is therefore recommended for refusal for the reasons set
out in Appendix 1.
2 The Site and Localit
y
2.1 The application site is located on the north-western side of Long Lane, some 80m
to the north-east of its junction with Swakeleys Drive. It comprises an attractive
detached house, set back from the road on a lar
ge plot with a deep rear garden.
2.2 The subject dwelling along with the majority of the adjoining detached houses to
the south-west (Nos. 90 to 98 Long Lane) are of individual architectural design
and have a spacious character with large gardens to the rear. The dwellings are
set well back from the road, in an informal setting with a staggered relationship to
the road frontage. To the northeast, is a flatted development at No. 88 Long Lane
and beyond that is the Cardinal Hume Campus of the Douay Martyrs School
(which contains a locally listed building). To the southwest is 92 Long Lane,
another large two storey dwelling of individual architectural merit set back from the
highway with gable features including a front projection and two dormer windows.
Dormy House and the rear garden of No. 2 adjoins the rear boundary of the
application propert
y.
2.3 The character of the area has gained recognition through its inclusion within the
Ickenham Village Conservation Area. The application site and the neighbouring
property to the rear (known as Dormy House) are also covered by Tree
Preservation Orders (TPOs 438 and 482a). The site lies in Flood Zone 1 and has
a PTAL ratin
g of 2 (Poor).
Hillingdon Planning Committee – 7th May 2025
PART 1 – Members, Public & Press
Figure 1: Location Plan (application site edged red)
Figure 2: Block Plan
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Figure 3: Image of the Application Property
3 Proposal
3.1 The application proposes the demolition of the existing detached, single dwelling
and the erection of a building consisting of 4 no. three-bed flats and 5 no. two-
bedroom flats, with associated parkin
g and amenities.
The application is a resubmission of a previously refused scheme (Planning
Committee April 2024 ref. 8905/APP/2023/2419). The main changes from this
original submission include:
x Provision of 4 x 3-bedroom units.
x Slight reduction in the depth of the two-storey rear projection (by 1.2m).
x Slight reduction in the width of the building.
x Removal of internal access to rear communal gardens.
x Retention of Category A and B trees to the front of the property.
x Reduction in size of waste storage space.
x Inclusion of storage room along the common boundary with No.92 for
equipment storage.
x Repositioning of cycle storage.
x Additional tree planting and fencing (2m height) along the common
boundaries with No.88 and 92 Lon
g Lane.
It is noted that during the course of the application process the numbers of three
(increased) and two (decreased) bed flats have been corrected in the description,
however the total number of units remains the same.
Hillingdon Planning Committee – 7th May 2025
PART 1 – Members, Public & Press
Figure 4: Proposed Block Plan(please note – larger version of plan can be found
in the Committee Plan Pack)
Figure 5: Proposed Elevations (please note – larger version of plan can be found
in the Committee Plan Pack)
Hillingdon Planning Committee – 7th May 2025
PART 1 – Members, Public & Press
Figure 6: Proposed floor plans(please note – larger version of plan can be found
in the Committee Plan Pack)
4 Relevant Plannin g History
4.1 A list of the relevant planning history related to the property can be found in
Appendix 2.
4.2 Planning application reference 8905/APP/2 023/2419 is of particular note, given
the similarities. The application was refused in April 2024 (Demolition of the
existing detached, single dwelling and the erection of a building consisting of 9 no.
two-bedroom flats, with associated parking and amenities) for the following
reasons:
1. The proposed development fails to provide any three or more bedroom
(family sized) units. Robust justification has not been provided to
demonstrate that the provision of family sized units would be unsuitable or
unviable. The proposal would therefore not provide a suitable mix of
housing to support sustainable, inclusive and mixed communities contrary
to Policy DMH 2 of the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part 2 - Development
Management Policies (2020), Policy H10 of the London Plan (2021) and
the National Planning Policy Framework (2023).
2. The proposed development, by reason of its siting, size, width, scale,
massin
g and overall desi gn would result in an incon gruous visuall y
Hillingdon Planning Committee – 7th May 2025
PART 1 – Members, Public & Press
prominent form of development that would fail to harmonise with the
character and architectural composition of the surrounding properties,
resulting in a visually dominant building which would be detrimental to the
character, appearance and visual amenity of the street scene and the
setting of Ickenham Village Conservation Area. The proposal therefore
conflicts with Policies BE1 and HE1 of the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part One
- Strategic Policies (2012), Policies DMHB 1, DMHB 4, DMHB 11 and
DMHB 12 of the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part Two - Development
Management Policies (2020), Policies HC1, D1, D3 and D4 of the London
Plan (2021) and the NPPF (2023).
3. Due to its depth, scale, bulk, siting and overall design, the proposed
development would have an overbearing impact on the adjoining residents
leading to a harmful sense of enclosure and loss of outlook to the residents
of Nos 88 and 92 Long Lane. Furthermore, in the absence of a BRE daylight
and sunlight assessment the application has failed to demonstrate that the
proposed development would not lead to a loss of light or significant
overshadowing to both adjoining neighbouring properties. The proposal
would therefore be contrary to Policy BE1 of the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part
One - Strategic Policies (2012), Policy DMHB 11 of the Hillingdon Local
Plan: Part 2 - Development Management Policies (2020) and the National
Planning Policy Framework (2023).
4. The proposal would fail to provide acceptable pedestrian, cycle and
vehicular access to the application site which due to the increased number
of vehicular movements onto a classified road would result in danger and
inconvenience which fails to concur with the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part 2 -
Development Management Policies (2020), Policies DMT 1, DMT 2 and
DMT 6 and Policies T2, T4 and T5 of the London Plan (2021) and NPPF
(2023). The application also fails to concur with the Mayor's Transport
Strategy which aims to encourage cycling, walking and the use of public
transport.
5.
The application has failed to justify the need for the layout of development which
includes the removal of category A and B value trees. Accordingly, the
development would result in adverse and irreversible impacts to landscaping,
trees, biodiversity or other natural features of merit, detrimental to the visual
amenities of the area and Ickenham Village Conservation Area, contrary to
paragraph 136 of the National Planning Policy Framework (2023), Policy G7 of
the London Plan (2021), and Policies DMHB 4, DMHB 11, DMHB 12 and DMHB
14 of the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part 2 (2020).
6. The proposal fails to demonstrate through a comprehensive fire statement
how the development would achieve the highest standards of fire safety in
regard to its design in incorporating appropriate features which reduce the
risk to life in the event of a fire, its construction methods, means of escape,
strategy of evacuation and providing suitable access and equipment for
firefighting appropriate for the size and residential nature of the
development. The proposal would therefore be contrar
y to Policies D5 and
Hillingdon Planning Committee – 7th May 2025
PART 1 – Members, Public & Press
D12 of the London Plan (2021) and the National Planning Policy
Framework (2023).
The current application seeks to overcome these reasons for refusal.
5 Plannin
g Policy
5.1 A list of planning policies relevant to the consideration of the application can be
found in Appendix 3.
6 Consultations and Representations
6.1 18 neighbouring properties were consulted by letter on 30-09-24. The consultation
period expired on 11-02-25, followin
g a reconsultation.
6.2 It is noted that one representation was received in support of the development, on
the basis that the use of the existing dwelling has a detrimental impact on the local
area in terms of anti-social behaviour.
6.3 Representations received in response to public consultation are summarised in
Table 1 (below). Consultee responses received are summarised in Table 2
(below). Full copies of the responses have also separately been made available
to Members.
Table 1: Summary of Representations Received
Representations Summary of Issues
Raised
Planning Officer
Response
Two petitions in
objection to the
application have
been received.
The first received
31 signatures and
the second
received 36
signatures
bringing the total
number of valid
si
gnatures to 67.
1. Against the
development
Discussed throughout the
report.
2. Ickenham Residents
Association wishes the
application to be heard
at Planning Committee
(in the event of an
approval).
The recommendation is for
refusal, which is in line with
the petitioners desired
outcome, usually it would
not be heard at Planning
Committee. However, due
to a third petition being
received in support, the
application will be heard.
A petition was
received in
support of the
application with
26 si
gnatures.
1. The development will
provide family-sized
dwellings.
Discussed at paragraphs
7.1-7.10
9 objections were
received from 6
I. Highways Issues -
Congestion and traffic
Discussed at paragraphs
7.51 -7.58
Hillingdon Planning Committee – 7th May 2025
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neighbouring
dwellings.
II. Noise and light pollution Discussed at paragraphs
7.37 – 7.38
III. Out of character Discussed in paragraphs
7.11-7.23
IV. Overdevelopment Discussed in paragraphs
7.11-7.23
V. Precedence Each application is
assessed on its own merits
and against the local
Hillingdon, London and
National Plans.
VI. Neighbouring amenity
concerns
Discussed in paragraphs
7.24-7.40.
VII. Flooding concerns Discussed in paragraphs
7.77-7.80. In the event of
an approval, Sustainable
Urban Drainage measures
would be secured by
condition.
VIII. Anti-social behaviour It has been noted from the
comments received that
the site had some alleged
previous criminal activity.
However, this current
application does not
propose any illegal
activities. In terms of
security by design, Officers
are satisfied that the
scheme would create new
units thereby improving the
security of the site due to
the level of presence and
surveillance from windows.
This is likely therefore to
reduce any potential anti-
social behaviour if the site
is occupied.
IX. Concerns regarding
trees
Discussed in paragraphs
7.61-7.67.
X. Impact on infrastructure
and services (including
schools, sewage etc.)
This is not a material
planning consideration for
this application. In the
event of an approval,
Community Infrastructure
Levy (CIL) would be
applicable.
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XI. Decrease in property
values
This is not a material
planning consideration.
XII. Concern with building
works and associated
vehicle movements,
noise and disruptions.
If this application had been
recommended for
approval, an informative
would have been included
regarding Control of
Environmental
Nuisance from
Construction Work. Further
conditions would also be
added regarding
construction mana
gement.
XIII. Foundations raising
concern for existing
houses and their
structures
This is not a material
planning consideration.
Table 2: Summary of Consultee Responses
Consultee and Summary of Comments
Planning Officer
Response
Ickenham Residents Association
Following the refusal of the previous application for
this property in 2023, we note a resubmission
entered on 16 September 2024, similarly for the
demolition of the existing building and the erection of
a building containing 9 x 2 bedroom flats. We will be
submitting a petition in respect of this application. As
you are aware this property is located firmly within
the Ickenham Conservation Area. We should
therefore be grateful for your confirmation that the
application will be scrutinised and have appropriate
input from the Design and Heritage Officer
particularly in relation to its character assessment
within our Conservation Area. We note that few, if
any, of the previous reasons for refusal have been
addressed in this resubmission and we trust that the
planning officer responsible will take those matters
into account, notwithstanding the petition submitted
by the applicant in favour. Thank you in advance.
The application has been amended to 3 no. three-
bed flats and 6 no. two-bedroom flats - a significant
increase on the no. 9 2 bed flats on the original
application. The ob
jections we submitted in our
The points raised by
Ickenham Residents'
Association have
been noted. Material
planning
considerations are
discussed in the
following sections of
this report.
Hillingdon Planning Committee – 7th May 2025
PART 1 – Members, Public & Press
letters of objection on 30th August 2023 and 8th
October still stand, our concerns exacerbated by the
increase in number of occupiers. We also submitted
a petition against this development as did local
residents. We assume these petitions still stand as
the application number has not changed. We are
concerned that the time limit for comments is very
short.
We are aware that the Inspectorate had removed the
10% rule allowed for flats in residential roads, but it
is worrying to think of the extra traffic and parking
involved, should this development go ahead. It is still
a larger development than that at 88. There would be
a minimum of 9 cars adding to the traffic congestion,
which is already extremely high in Long Lane
especially given the flat development at no. 88. The
Association strongly objects to this application.
Ministry of Defence
Following review of the application documents, the
proposed development would be considered to have
no detrimental impact on the operation or capability
of a defence site or asset. The MOD has no
objection to the development proposed.
Noted.
Conservation Officer
Given the proposed design hasn't changed from the
previous refusal, much of the same design issues as
pointed out in the refusal decision notice for
8905/APP/2023/2419 persist. The argument that a
building should be larger simply because the plot is
larger is invalid, as bulk and massing must respond
to the surrounding context, not just plot size.
Planning policy prioritises how well a building fits its
environment, considering proportion, scale, and
impact on the public realm. In this case, the proposal
feels overly stretched horizontally, detracting from
the vertical emphasis typical of traditional vernacular
architecture, which features taller, narrower forms,
gable ends, and a pronounced roofline. The wide
spacing between windows and the roofline further
accentuate this horizontal stretch, undermining the
area's vernacular proportions and disrupting its
character and scale. It is important to highlight that,
while similar to 88 Lon
g Lane, this application omits
Noted.
Hillingdon Planning Committee – 7th May 2025
PART 1 – Members, Public & Press
some of the vernacular features (e.g. weather-
boarding, diagonal bracing, and the points made
above regarding scale and proportion) that enhance
the appearance and character of 88, overall resulting
in a facade that, although attempting to echo
vernacular forms, feels somewhat dishonest and
value-engineered.
Tree and Landscape Officer
The retention of the front Category A and B trees is
welcomed. There are some minor concerns with the
tree report which can be addressed.
- Question the structure located below T30.
Should it be required, the location should be
moved elsewhere on site to reduce the impact
on trees.
- T10 is within the neighbouring garden. This
tree should only be tip pruned rather than
crown lifted which would require agreement
by the neighbours.
- Lastly, T38 should be fitted with a tree guard
after construction to ensure it doesn’t get
knocked by cars manoeuvring within the car
park.
Otherwise, the tree report is accepted.
Noted. The previous
application had
refused on loss of
valuable trees. The
revised plans now
demonstrate that
these trees would be
protected. Whilst
concerns raised
regarding the
positioning of the bin
structure and certain
works have been
advised. This can be
secured with a
condition if the
scheme is considered
acceptable.
Access Officer
This proposal involving the demolition of a single
dwelling house and its replacement with a three-
storey building comprising 9 flats has been assessed
against the requirements of London Plan policy D7
and H2 with no accessibility concerns raised. A
condition is recommended to ensure the ground floor
units meet the Technical Requirements set out in
Approved Document M of the Building Regulations
2010. A further condition would be secured to ensure
the property would provide step free access via all
points of entry and exit.
Noted.
Highways
The application has been reviewed by the Highway
Authorit
y who are satisfied on balance that the
Noted. Following
advice from
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PART 1 – Members, Public & Press
proposal would not discernibly exacerbate
congestion or parking stress and would not raise any
measurable highway safety concerns. The revised
application has provided further information including
a Transport Note and tracking information which
addresses the original reason for refusal.
The Highways Officer recommends inclusion of
conditions relating to provision of secure bicycle
parking, electric vehicle charging points and a
Construction Mana
gement Plan
Highways, there
would be no objection
nor reason for refusal
on this basis.
7 Planning Assessment
Principle of Development
7.1 The National Planning Policy Framework (2024) promotes effective use of land
in meeting the need for homes and other uses, while safeguarding and
improving the environment and ensuring safe and healthy living conditions. Both
London Plan (2021 - Policy GG4) and the Hillingdon Local Plan (Policy BE1 Part
1 Strategic Policies) seeks to ensure more homes are delivered. This is
reinforced by Policy H1 of the Local Plan: Part 1 - Strategic Policies (2012) which
gives general support to housing provision to meet and exceed the Council's
minimum strategic dwelling requirement, where this can be achieved in
accordance with other Local Plan policies.
7.2 Policy DMH 1 of the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part 2 - Development Management
Policies (2020) states that the net loss of existing self-contained housing will be
resisted unless the housing is replaced with at least equivalent residential
floorspace. It seeks to ensure there is not an overconcentration of flat
developments within a street with the policy restricting the number of
conversions to no more than ten percent of the properties.
7.3 The site is within the settlement limits within an established residential area and
the provision of new housing on the site is acceptable in principle, subject to
consideration of other factors. The provision of nine dwellings would represent a
net increase of eight units that would provide a valuable contribution towards
meetin
g local housing need.
7.4 The proposed development would not result in more than ten percent of properties
within the area redeveloped into flats. It is noted that there is an existing
conversion at the neighbouring property at No 88 Long Lane which received
planning permission in 2016 for the existing dwelling to be demolished and replace
with flats (ref. 29164/APP/201/4622). In the immediate area, this appears to be
the sole propert
y that has been converted to flats in recent years.
7.5 A survey of the properties along Long Lane (500m in both directions from the
application site) confirms that the majority of properties are dwelling houses, and
the level of conversions would be below ten percent. As such it would not lead to
Hillingdon Planning Committee – 7th May 2025
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an overconcentration of flat developments within the area. The existing property
is greater than 120 sq.m in floorspace and although this is being replaced, it would
meet that criteria set out for redevelopment of dwellings. Although there would be
more than one flat per floor, these are considered suitable quality, and it is
designed to provide a high-quality of internal accommodation in accordance with
Policy D6 of the London Plan (2021). It is, therefore, considered that the proposal
passes the relevant tests set out in Policy DMH 4 of the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part
2 - Development Mana
gement Policies (2020).
7.6 There is no objection, in principle, to the creation of additional residential units in
this location in land use terms. However, this would be subject to the proposal
being in accordance with all relevant planning policies and guidance in the
Development Plan.
Housing Mix
7.7 Policy H10 of the London Plan (2021) states that applicants and decision-makers
should have regard to the need for additional family housing. Family housing is
defined within the glossary of the London Plan (2021) and advises that it must
generally, be of a size that has three or more bedrooms. The Secretary of State
directed changes to Policy H10 to place greater emphasis on the delivery of new
family homes, aiming to reduce the displacement of families from London. These
changes were reflected in the final version of the London Plan (2021). Similarly,
the adoption of the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part 2 (2020) marked a significant shift
in housing size mix policy, aligning with the strategic focus on meeting identified
housing needs.
7.8 Policy DMH 2 of the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part 2 - Development Management
Policies (2020) states that new developments should provide a mix of housing
sizes that reflect the Council's latest evidence of need, including a clear
requirement for larger homes, particularly three-bedroom units, as identified in the
Strategic Housing Market Assessment 2016. The proposal is considered to
provide an appropriate housing mix, in line with the Council's housing strategy and
in compliance with Policy DMH 2 of the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part 2 (2020) and
Polic
y H10 of the London Plan (2021).
7.9 As noted above there is established policy in favour of making effective use of
sites and optimising the density of development. The proposed development
would deliver four three-bedroom units and five two-bedroom units. The existing
detached dwelling on the site is a family-sized unit, and the inclusion of three
additional family units is therefore welcomed. The overall housing mix is
considered acceptable overcoming the previous reason for refusal. It would
provide a balanced mix of properties suitable for both families and individuals;
whilst providing an uplift of an additional 8 homes which allows for an
appropriate increase in the densit
y of development.
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Conclusion (Principle)
7.10 Overall, the proposal is consistent with both local and regional policies aimed at
increasing the supply of family-sized homes. The proposal is supported in
principle, subject to compliance with other planning considerations, including
design, amenity space, and parking standards.
Desi gn / Impact on the Character and Appearance of the Area
7.11 The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, specifically
Section 72, places a statutory duty on Local Planning Authorities to pay special
attention to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the character or appearance
of Conservation Areas. This requirement is reinforced through national and local
planning policy. Paragraph 135 of the NPPF (2024) further emphasises that new
developments should be well-designed, visually attractive, and sympathetic to
local character and history, while contributing positively to a strong sense of place
and ensuring safe, inclusive environments. Policies D1, D3 and D4 of the London
Plan (2021) require proposals to respond positively to local context and to deliver
high-quality, context-sensitive design. Specifically for heritage assets, Policy HC1
of the London Plan (2021) requires developments to conserve the significance of
these assets and their settin
gs.
7.12 At the local level, Policy BE1 of the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part One (2012) seeks
high quality design that contributes to the character and quality of the local area.
More specifically, Policy DMHB 4 of the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part Two (2020)
requires that development within or on the edges of Conservation Areas preserves
or enhances their character and appearance. Policies DMHB 11 and DMHB 12
further require development to harmonise with local context and to demonstrate a
high standard of design through scale, form, detailing and its relationship with
surroundin
g structures and spaces.
Site Context
7.13 The application site is located within the Ickenham Village Conservation Area,
within a predominantly residential setting. The existing building is an attractive,
detached, one-and-a-half-storey dwelling that contributes positively to the
character and appearance of both the Conservation Area and the Long Lane
street scene. The Douay Martyrs School (Cardinal Hume Campus), which
includes a Locally Listed Building, is situated to the north-east of the site. The
wider Ickenham area is characterised by spacious, maturely landscaped
residential plots, with Long Lane comprising a series of individually designed
dwellin
gs that positively contribute to the visual amenities of the street scene.
7.14 Whilst architectural styles and designs vary, the prevailing character, particularly
around the site, is formed by detached and semi-detached properties occupying
large plots with extensive rear gardens. Properties along Long Lane are
generally set back from the road behind green verges and mature front gardens,
contributin
g to a distinctive spacious character. The application site retains a
Hillingdon Planning Committee – 7th May 2025
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large front and rear garden and is well landscaped with mature trees and shrubs,
providing a soft, natural screen from the street scene. The existing dwelling is
well-proportioned and appropriately sited within the plot.
7.15 It is acknowledged that a flatted development at the adjoining site (No. 88 Long
Lane) has recently been completed (Ref: 29164/APP/2016/4622). While
elements of the current scheme draw some inspiration from this neighbouring
development, the proposed building would be significantly wider and bulkier than
No. 88. The proposal would result in a building of substantial massing owing to
its increased hei
ght, width, built form and bulk.
Proposal
7.16 The current application seeks permission for the demolition of the existing
dwelling and the erection of a two storey plus loft building comprising 9 self-
contained residential units. The original scheme (ref. 8905/APP/2023/2419) was
refused by the Planning Committee in April 2024, with the design, scale and bulk
forming key reasons for refusal. While the applicant has sought to address these
concerns through minor reductions — including a 1m reduction in width, a
900mm reduction in the depth of the front element, and a 1.2m set-back of the
first and second floors at the rear — these amendments are not considered
sufficient to overcome the fundamental concerns previousl
y raised.
7.17 The proposed building would measure approximately 19m wide along the front
elevation with a height of approximately 10m and a depth of 23.5m at ground floor
which steps in by 1.2m at first and second floor. The building would be set in
2.366m to the front common boundary with No 88 and 6.1m from the side with 92
Lon
g Lane.
7.18 It is acknowledged that since the previous refusal, the proposed width has been
reduced by approximately 1m, the length of front element has been reduced by
900mm, the first and second floor has been reduced in depth by over 1.2m.
However, this does not go far enough to address the concerns of the previous
refusal. Despite the applicant’s comparison in terms of percentage of built area,
the development would continue to appear quite imposing due to its size, massing
and scale which appears significantly greater than any of the existing buildings
within the immediate area. The proposed bulk and massing should respond to the
surrounding context, rather than plot size. As a result, the proposed development
would appear disruptive and incon
gruous within the street scene.
7.19 A key concern remains the overall scale and bulk of the projecting Dutch-style
rear return which would appear disproportionate within the building. This
element, by virtue of its depth, height, and width, would dominate the rear
elevation and fails to appear as a subservient addition to the main building. The
rear projection would extend approximately 12m, which is larger than the depth
of the main front building section. Combined with its substantial width, even with
a modest set-in of 1.2m on each side, this exacerbates the overall scale and
bulk, causing harm to the building’s overall design and to the wider Conservation
Area. Visuall
y the combination of both the main frontage building and the rear
Hillingdon Planning Committee – 7th May 2025
PART 1 – Members, Public & Press
projecting element would be imposing. Whilst, the projecting element would be
more visible from flank, and rear viewpoints, given its overall height and width in
proximity to the main roof, there would be some visibility also from public
vanta
ge points.
7.20 The resultant form would appear cramped and overdeveloped compared to the
prevailing looser urban grain and development pattern along Long Lane.
Although the staggered building line reflects some aspects of the street’s
character, this would not mitigate the excessive massing, which would be readily
visible from both public and private viewpoints. The proposed development
would therefore represent a cramped and overly intensive form of development,
and a more significant reduction in the size and scale of the building would be
necessar
y to achieve an acceptable form.
7.21 The transition in scale between the proposed building and the modest dwelling at
No. 92 Long Lane would be abrupt, resulting in a visually obtrusive and awkward
relationship that fails to integrate appropriately into the streetscape. The
increased footprint, extending beyond the rear of both neighbouring properties,
would be clearly perceptible in views along Long Lane, especially given the
staggered nature of the building line. Consequently, the development would
cause harm to the settin
g of the Ickenham Village Conservation Area.
7.22 In terms of design detailing, whilst the proposal attempts to draw on the
neighbouring development by incorporating mock Tudor features to the front
elevation, this has been poorly executed. The detailing is basic and lacks the high-
quality design expected within the Conservation Area. To the rear, the excessive
fenestration and inconsistent window proportions result in an unduly prominent
and visually discordant appearance, failing to respect the more restrained, local
character. As such, the proposal would detract from the character and appearance
of the Conservation Area and fail to preserve or enhance its si
gnificance
7.23 Overall, the siting, size, width, scale, massing and design of the proposed
development would have a detrimental impact on the character, appearance,
and visual amenity of the area. The development would fail to preserve or
enhance the setting of the Ickenham Village Conservation Area and the public
benefits would not outweigh the less than substantial harm, contrary to Policies
BE1 and HE1 of the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part One – Strategic Policies (2012);
Policies DMHB 1, DMHB 4, DMHB 11 and DMHB 12 of the Hillingdon Local
Plan: Part Two – Development Management Policies (2020); Policies HC1, D3
and D4 of the London Plan (2021); and the National Planning Policy Framework
(2024).
Residential Amenity
7.24 Paragraph 139 of the NPPF (2024) requires that developments create places that
are safe, inclusive, and accessible, promoting health and well-being with a high
standard of amenity for both existing and future users, while ensuring that crime,
disorder, and the fear of crime do not undermine quality of life or community
cohesion. In line with this, Polic
y DMHB 11 of the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part Two
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PART 1 – Members, Public & Press
– Development Management Policies (2020) states that development proposals
must not adversely impact the amenity, daylight, or sunlight of adjoining properties
and open spaces.
7.25 To safeguard residential privacy, Paragraph 5.38 of the Local Plan outlines a
minimum separation distance of 21 metres between windows of habitable rooms,
with greater distances potentially required where there are significant changes in
ground levels. Furthermore, Paragraph 5.40 defines outlook as the visual amenity
experienced from windows or gardens and requires that proposals avoid creating
an increased sense of enclosure or loss of outlook. Paragraph 5.41 reinforces the
importance of protecting daylight and sunlight levels for habitable rooms, amenity
areas, and public open spaces, requiring assessments to follow the most up-to-
date BRE guidelines on site layout planning for daylight and sunlight. Collectively,
these policies ensure that new developments respect the amenity of neighbours
and deliver hi
gh-quality, liveable environments.
7.26 The principle neighbouring dwellings to consider are numbers 92 Long Lane,
located to the southwest and Number 88 Long Lane which has been replaced with
a flatted development to the northeast.
Privacy
7.27 The front elevation windows of the proposed development would front Long Lane,
maintaining a separation distance of approximately 50 metres from properties
opposite. As such, no concerns are raised in relation to overlooking or loss of
privac
y for those occupiers.
7.28 In respect of side windows at ground floor level, no material loss of privacy would
arise given the presence of 2m high boundary fencing, which would screen
views up to 1.8m. Had the application been recommended for approval, a
condition would have been secured requiring first- and second-floor side-facing
windows to be fitted with obscure glazing and to be non-opening below 1.8
metres from finished floor level. This would ensure the protection of neighbouring
privacy without unduly impacting the quality of accommodation for future
occupiers, as the side windows would be secondary windows to habitable
rooms. Views from rear-facing windows would broadly replicate the existing
situation.
Light and Outlook
7.29
The current proposal is supported by a Daylight and Sunlight Assessment, which
was not submitted with the previously refused scheme. A total of 34 windows
serving neighbouring properties were tested. Two types of daylight assessments
were carried out. The Vertical Sky Component (VSC) test found that only four
windows would experience minor shortfalls against the recommended daylight
standards. These are Window 22 (First Floor, Flat G, 88 Long Lane) and
Windows 28, 29, and 30 (Ground Floor Flats A and C, 88 Long Lane). The
second daylight test — the No Sky Line (NSL) assessment, which measures the
Hillingdon Planning Committee – 7th May 2025
PART 1 – Members, Public & Press
distribution of daylight within rooms — confirmed that all affected rooms would
continue to meet the required standards.
7.30 However, whilst the shortfall in daylight levels to the above windows is outside of
BRE recommendations, this does not necessarily mean that the development’s
impact would be significant or unacceptable. The BRE Guidance represents ‘Best
Practice Guidance’ and it notes that the advice given in the report is not mandatory
and “should be interpreted flexibly since natural lighting is only one of many factors
in layout design”. For example, it is necessary to have regard to whether the
affected rooms are dual aspect; whether the windows serve habitable rooms and
whether the windows are located close to the boundar
y of the site.
7.31 Consequently, any window that does not fully achieve the guidance contained
within the BRE Report has been considered individually within the submitted
Sunlight and Daylight Report to assess their likely significance. Officers agree with
the overall assessments contained within the submitted sunlight and daylight
report (pp. 17-18) as follows:
x Window 22 serves the living room / kitchen of Flat G at 88 Long Lane. The
proposed development will reduce the proposed VSC to this window marginally
below 27% and the proposed level of daylight would be 0.71 times the former.
However, Window 22 is a secondary window with Windows 19, 20 and 21 all also
serving the same room, two of which will retain a VSC of over 27% and all three
with a reduction in daylight that would be considered acceptable. Given this is a
secondary window without further impacts to the other windows, it can be
concluded that the room will remain well-lit regardless to the impact to this window
and therefore any impact to this rooms is considered insignificant.
x Windows 28 and 29 serve the living room / kitchen of Flat C at 88 Long Lane. As
with the living room / kitchen of Flat G, windows 28 and 29 are secondary windows,
with the primary window located at Window 27 which will retain over 36% VSC
and will be significantly larger than both window 28 and 29combined.
Consequently, it can be concluded that the room will remain well-lit despite the
impact to these two windows and therefore any impact to this rooms is considered
insignificant.
x Window 30 serves a bedroom to Flat A at 88 Long Lane. This bedroom is also
served by window 34 where the impact is considered acceptable. Consequently,
it can be concluded that the room will remain well-lit despite the impact to this
window and therefore any impact to this rooms is considered insignificant.
7.32 In terms of sunlight, the Annual Probable Sunlight Hours (APSH) assessment
confirms compliance, with only two windows (Windows 28 and 29, Ground Floor,
Flat C, 88 Long Lane) falling marginally short of the Winter Probable Sunlight
Hours target. Importantly, these windows serve a room where the principal source
of li
ght is from the rear, thus reducing the overall impact.
7.33 On balance, the assessment demonstrates that the proposed development would
not result in an unacceptable loss of daylight or sunlight to neighbouring flats, and
overall li
ght levels would remain satisfactory.
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PART 1 – Members, Public & Press
7.34 However, significant concerns remain in relation to the scale, depth and massing
of the proposed building and its consequent impact on outlook and sense of
enclosure. The proposed building would project significantly beyond the main rear
wall of both neighbouring residential dwellings at Nos. 88 and 92 Long Lane and
given the overall height of the secondary projection element, it would cause harm
to these ad
joining neighbours amenity.
7.35 There are a number of windows on both neighbouring properties where the outlook
would be compromised by the extended depth beyond the established rear
building line. The building would maintain a uniform height of approximately 10
metres from front to rear, with limited articulation or relief along its rear elevation.
Although the rear roof adopts a barn-style profile, it retains substantial height and
mass, which would appear particularly dominant when viewed from the rear
gardens and habitable rooms of neighbouring properties.
7.36 At No. 92 Long Lane, the neighbouring dwelling features a dining room and
conservatory facing towards the proposed development. Although there would
be a degree of separation, the scale, height and proximity of the proposed
building would result in an unacceptable sense of enclosure and loss of outlook
for these occupiers. Similarly, at No. 88 Long Lane (the adjacent flatted
development), several ground floor windows, including a lounge window, face
towards the application site. The depth and bulk of the proposed building would
similarly create an overbearing impact and lead to a loss of visual amenity for
these occupiers.
7.37
In summary, while the revised scheme has satisfactorily addressed previous
concerns relating to daylight and sunlight, it fails to overcome concerns regarding
the impact on neighbouring amenity through the loss of outlook, a sense of
enclosure, and an overbearing relationship.
Noise, Activity and Disturbance
7.38 The development site is located within a dense residential area with smaller and
larger homes. The intensification of residential use, arising from the provision of
additional units, would not be considered out of character or of a scale that
would generate unacceptable levels of noise or disturbance. Had the application
been recommended for approval, a condition requiring the submission of a
Construction Management Plan would have been secured to minimise noise,
disruption, and pollution durin
g the construction phase.
7.39 It is noted that the internal arrangement of the proposed flats would place
kitchen/living/dining areas above bedrooms of ground floor flats. However,
compliance with Approved Document E of the Building Regulations would be
sufficient to address potential noise transmission between units, and no
additional planning conditions would have been considered necessary in this
re
gard, in the event of an approval.
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PART 1 – Members, Public & Press
Conclusion
7.40
It is therefore concluded that the proposed development would cause harm to the
living conditions of neighbouring occupiers, specifically through an unacceptable
loss of outlook, an overbearing impact, and a resulting sense of enclosure. The
development would therefore fail to accord with Policy DMHB 11 of the Hillingdon
Local Plan: Part Two – Development Management Policies (2020) and paragraph
135 of the National Planning Policy Framework (2024)
Quality of Residential Accommodation (Internal and External)
Internal Amenity Space
7.41 Policy DMHB 16 of the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part Two - Development
Management Policies (2020) states that all housing development should have an
adequate provision of internal space in order to provide an appropriate living
environment. Policy D6 of the London Plan (2021) states that housing
development should be of high-quality design and provide adequately sized
rooms.
7.42
Based on the submitted plans, all nine proposed flats would meet the minimum
internal space standards as set out in Table 3.1 of the London Plan (2021). The
proposed internal layouts, including floor-to-ceiling heights, would provide a
satisfactory standard of accommodation for future occupiers. Each flat would
benefit from a primary outlook to either the front or rear of the building, with
additional secondary windows to the flanks providing improved cross-ventilation
and access to natural light.
7.43
Although the design incorporates a barn-style roof, which results in some
restricted headroom at the sides, the main living areas would retain substantially
higher floor-to-ceiling heights than the minimum requirement. Officers are
satisfied, on review of the floorplans, that the majority of the top floor flats would
meet the minimum 2.3 metre height standard in line with the Housing Technical
Standards. On balance, given the additional internal floorspace provided, the
accommodation would achieve suitable headroom for future residents.
7.44 The open-plan kitchen/living areas would be served by large unobscured windows
or glazed doors leading onto patios, ensuring good levels of natural light. Ground
floor bedrooms would benefit from unobscured side-facing windows, while first and
second floor bedrooms would retain satisfactory levels of light and outlook, despite
the use of obscured glazing to side-facing windows. Although two of the loft
bedrooms would rely solely on rooflights, given that they are secondary bedrooms,
this arrangement is considered acceptable and would provide an adequate
standard of residential amenity.
7.45 It is acknowledged that the communal garden would be accessed via pathways
running alongside the building, which could potentially impact the privacy of
ground floor occupiers. However, this issue could be appropriately mitigated by a
landscapin
g condition requiring the provision of defensible planting between
Hillingdon Planning Committee – 7th May 2025
PART 1 – Members, Public & Press
flank windows and the access routes, similar to the arrangement at No. 88 Long
Lane, in the event of an approval.
7.46 Taking all of the above into account, it is considered that the proposal would
provide an acceptable standard of residential accommodation for future
occupiers, with adequate internal space, natural light and outlook. The
development would therefore comply with Policy DMHB 16 of the Hillingdon
Local Plan: Part Two – Development Management Policies (2020) and Policy D6
of the London Plan (2021).
External Amenity Space
7.47 Policy DMHB 18: Private Outdoor Amenity Space states that applications for
residential development should provide adequate levels of private, well designed
and located amenit
y space.
7.48 Table 5.2 of the Local Plan specifies that two-bedroom and three-bedroom flats
should provide a minimum of 25 sqm and 30 sqm of private amenity space
respectively. While none of the upper floor flats would benefit from private
balconies, two ground floor flats would have private patios of approximately 16
sqm, which falls below the minimum standard.
7.49 However, the development proposes a substantial communal garden to the rear
of the site, exceeding 600 sqm, which would be landscaped to a high standard
(details to be secured by condition in the event of an approval). This provision is
considered sufficient to offset the shortfall in private amenity space. Landscaping
details would also ensure that a suitable defensible buffer is maintained around
the private patios to ensure their usability and protect the privacy of ground floor
occupier
7.50 A soft and hard landscaping scheme would be conditioned, in the event of an
approval, to ensure the standard and quality of the communal space is good.
Given the communal space is large and usable, the short fall of private amenity
space would be, on balance, acceptable.
7.51
Overall, it is considered that the quantity and quality of external amenity space
would be sufficient to serve the proposed dwellings. The proposal would therefore
comply with Policy DMHB 18 of the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part Two –
Development Management Policies (2020), Policy D6 of the London Plan (2021),
and paragraph 135(f) of the NPPF (2024).
Highways and Parking
7.52 The application site is located on B466 Long Lane, a classified road with a 30mph
speed limit which is subject to single yellow line parking restrictions Monday –
Saturday between 8am and 6.30pm. An advisory cycle lane runs along Long Lane
across the site frontage. The application site is located in an area with a PTAL
ranking of 2 indicating that the proposal would be located in an area with poor
access to public transport which fails to concur with National Plannin
g Polic y
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PART 1 – Members, Public & Press
Framework (NPPF) 9: Promoting Sustainable Transport and The Mayor’s
Transport Strategy which aims to encourage people to walk, cycle and travel by
public transport.
Parking Provision
7.53 The London Plan (2021) Table 10.3 - Maximum Residential Parking Standards
requires all dwellings in Outer London PTAL 2 to have a maximum 0.75no. spaces.
Drawing 3321-BP2-02 titled Proposed Block Plan shows 9no. parking spaces
which would be acceptable. The London Plan Policy T6: Car Parking - Paragraph
J states that a Parking Design and Management Plan should be submitted
alongside all applications which include car parking provision, indicating how the
car parking would be designed and managed, with reference to Transport for
London guidance on parking management and parking design. A Parking Design
and Management Plan would therefore be required that should ensure that all car
parking spaces are allocated and leased, not sold, to the dwellings to which they
relate and should include drawings/documents addressing the demarcation of the
shared surface which should be secured b
y condition in the event of an approval.
Electric Vehicle Charging Points (EVCP's)
7.54 The London Plan (2021) requires that an EVCP is provided for the proposed
parking spaces. The Application form states that 2no. active and 7no. passive
ECVPs would be provided which would be acceptable. In the event of an
approval, a condition would secure the provision and retention of 2no. 7kw active
EVCPs and 7no. passive EVCPs.
Cycle Parking and safety
7.55 The London Plan (2021) Table 10.2 - Minimum Cycle Parking Standards requires
two- bedroom dwellings to have a minimum of 2no. cycle parking spaces and that
developments of 5-40 dwellings provide 2 visitor cycle parking space which should
be provided with acceptable access between the dwelling, the cycle storage and
the adopted highway. Drawing 3321-BP2-02 titled Proposed Block Plan shows
18no. cycle spaces which is an acceptable level of cycle parking for the dwellings,
however, 2 visitor cycle parking spaces would be required which should be located
close to the main access to the flats. 1no. ‘Sheffield’ type cycle stand would be
acceptable. In the event of an approval, this would be secured b
y condition.
Access
7.56 In terms of vehicular access, the previous application raised concerns regarding
the access gate due to vehicles having to wait on the road. Additional information
has been provided, including vehicle tracking and the removal of the gate. A
Transport Note produced by Magna Transport Planning Ltd has also been
provided, detailing analysis of the site location within the Local Highway Network.
The document provides details of collisions, information on non-vehicular forms of
transport and public transport availability. The tracking details demonstrates that
vehicles enterin
g the site and stoppin g in front of the entrance can be achieved
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PART 1 – Members, Public & Press
without causing a safety concern to the highway. On the basis of the additional
information provided, the Highway’s Authority no longer object to the scheme on
hi
ghway safety grounds.
Vehicular Trip Generation
7.57 Local Plan: Part 2 Policies - DMT 1 and DMT 2 require the council to consider
whether the traffic generated by proposed developments is acceptable in terms of
the local highway and junction capacity, traffic flows and conditions of general
highway or pedestrian safety. As a consequence of the relatively moderate scale
of development, any vehicular trip generation uplift is predicted to be minimal and
therefore does not raise an
y specific highway concerns.
Refuse Collection
7.58 Refuse bins are indicated on the proposed site plans with the elevations, further
details of materials would be secured by condition in the event of an approval.
Construction Management Plan
7.59 As the site is situated on a busy classified road (B466), were the scheme to be
considered acceptable, a Demolition and Construction Logistics Plan (CLP)
would be required. These details should clearly demonstrate how all risks to
personal safety would be managed. It should also detail how interaction
between construction traffic and vehicles already on the network would be
planned which should concur with Construction Logistics and Community Safety
(CLOCS) Construction Logistics Planning (CLP) Guidance Version: v1.2 (April
2021
). This would be required by condition in the event of an approval.
Accessibility
7.60 London Plan (2021) Policy D7 states: 'To provide suitable housing and genuine.
choice for London's diverse population, including disabled people, older people
and families with young children, residential development must ensure that:
1) at least 10 per cent of dwellings (which are created via works to which Part M
volume 1 of the Building Regulations applies) meet Building Regulation
requirement M4(3) 'wheelchair user dwellings'
2) all other dwellings (which are created via works to which Part M volume 1 of
the Building Regulations applies) meet Building Regulation requirement M4(2)
'accessible and adaptable dwellin
gs'.
7.61 The proposed development does not include a lift, meaning upper floor units would
only meet the M4(1) baseline standard via Building Control. However, in
accordance with Policy D7 of the London Plan (2021), which seeks to ensure
inclusive housing options, all new dwellings must meet either M4(3) wheelchair
user standards (for at least 10% of homes) or M4(2) accessible and adaptable
standards. The submitted floor plans confirm that the ground floor units comply
with the M4(2) requirements, and the Council’s Accessibility Officer has raised no
ob
jection, sub ject to conditions. These include submission of details to ensure
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PART 1 – Members, Public & Press
step-free access and verification that the ground floor units meet M4(2) standards.
Subject to these conditions, the proposal is considered to accord with the inclusive
desi
gn objectives of Policy D7 of the London Plan (2021).
Trees and Landscaping
7.62 Policy G1 of the London Plan (2021) requires development proposals to
incorporate appropriate elements of green infrastructure that contribute to
London’s wider green infrastructure network. Policy G7 states that existing trees
of value should be retained wherever possible, and that adequate replacement
plantin
g should be provided where tree loss is unavoidable.
7.63 Policies DMHB 11 and DMHB 14 of the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part Two –
Development Management Policies (2020) require that developments are high
quality, sustainable, and respond appropriately to their local context. Proposals
must include landscaping that enhances amenity, biodiversity, and green
infrastructure, particularl
y in areas where such infrastructure is limited.
7.64 The site benefits from a number of mature trees, particularly along the Long Lane
frontage, which make a positive contribution to the character and appearance of
the Ickenham Village Conservation Area. An Arboricultural Report submitted with
the application identifies 33 individual trees and five groups of trees, with several
specimens classified as Category A and B quality. Three trees located at the rear
of the site are protected by Tree Preservation Order (TPO 482a), and other trees
within the site are protected by virtue of their location within the Conservation Area.
7.65 The scheme has been revised since a previous refusal to retain the Category A
tree (T38), which had previously been proposed for removal. The Council’s Trees
and Landscaping Officer has welcomed this amendment but raised some
concerns which Officers are
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