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Hillingdon Planning Committee – 14th October 2026
PART 1 – Members, Public & Press
Report of the Head of Development Management and Building Control
Committee Report
Case Officer: Wai Hing Tse 35810/APP/2026/735
Date Application
Valid:
23-03-26 Statutory / Agreed
Determination
Deadline:
14/10/2026
Application
Type:
Full Ward: YIEWSLEY 2022
Applicant: Linea UB7 Ltd.
Site Address: TAVISTOCK WORKS, TAVISTOCK ROAD
Proposal: Demolition of existing building and replacement
with a 6
-storey building comprising residential
units, landscaping and amenity space.
Summary of
Recommendation:
GRANT planning permission subject to section
106 legal agreement and conditions
Reason Reported
to Committee:
Required under Part 1 of the Planning Scheme of
Delegation (Major application recommended for
approval)
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Summary of Recommendation:
GRANT planning permission subject to the completion of a
satisfactory section 106 legal agreement to secure the heads of
terms set out below, and subject to the conditions as set out in
Appendix 1.
It is recommended that delegated powers be given to the Director of
Planning and Sustainable Growth to grant planning permission subject to
the following:
A) That the Council enter into a legal agreement with the applicant under
Section
106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) or
any other legislation to secure the following:
I. A Section 278 agreement to implement all necessary off-site
Highways Works to the footpath adjoining the site
II. Early and Late Stage Afford able Housing Viability Review
III. An Employment/ Construction Training Scheme secured in
accordance with the Council's Planning Obligations SPD
IV. A Carbon Offset contribution of £29,134
V. A financial contribution of £41,500 for new, enhanced or
improved access to open space within the London Borough of
Hillingdon
VI. Provision of 1 car club space on Tavistock Road
VII. Residential Parking Permits restriction (excluding Blue Badge
holders)
VIII. A Project Management and Monitoring Fee, equalling 5% of the
total financial contributions to be paid under this agreement
B) That in respect of the application for planning permission, the applicant
meets the Council's reasonable costs in preparation of the Section 106
Agreement and any abortive work as a result of the agreement not being
completed.
C) That officers be authorised to negotiate and agree the detailed wording
of the
heads of terms, the proposed Legal Agreement and conditions of
approval.
D) That, if the Legal Agreement has not been finalised within 6 months (or
such other time frame as may be agreed by the Director of Planning and
Sustainable
Growth), delegated authority be given to the Director of
Planning and Sustainable Growth to refuse planning permission for the
following reason:
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‘The applicant has failed to secure the planning obligations necessary to
mitigate the impacts of the proposed development, including obligations
relating to
highway works, affordable-housing viability reviews,
employment and construction training , carbon offset, public open space,
sustainable travel, residents parking and monitoring. The proposal would
therefore conflict with Policy DF1 of the London Plan (2021), Policies DMCI
4, DMCI 7, DMEI 2, DMT 1 and DMT 2 of the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part
Two (2020), and the Council’s Plan ning Obligations Supplementary
Planning Document.'
E) That if the application is approved, that the permission is subject to the
Conditions as set out in Appendix 1.
1 Executive Summary
1.1 Planning permission is sought for the demoli tion of the existing office building
and redevelopment of the site with a six -storey residential building comprising
31 flats, landscaping, private and communal amenity space, children’s play
space, cycle parking
and one accessible car-parking space. The development
would provide 17 one -bedroom, 10 two-bedroom and four three- bedroom
homes on an allocated, previously developed site close to West Drayton Station
and Yiewsley/West Drayton Town Centre.
1.2 The principle of residential redevelopmen t is supported by the site allocation
and relevant planning history. Although the previous residential permission has
expired and is not treated as an extant fallback, the appeal decision and
subsequent permissions remain material considerations. The current proposal
would be two storeys lower and provide seven fewer dwellings than the most
recently approved scheme. Its reduced height, revised material palette and
improved entrance treatment would provide an acceptable relationship with
Padcroft Works and the surrounding townscape, subject to conditions securing
the detailed materials and architectural finishes.
1.3 The proposal would deliver additional housing on a brownfield site, within a
sustainable location, all dwellings would meet the applicable minimum internal
floorspace standards and receive satisfactory natural light. The report identifies
some shortcomings, including the absence of affordable housing at the present
time, the proportion of single -aspect dwellings and a shortfall against the
Council’s external amenity -space standard. However, the accommodation
would remain functional, no single -aspect dwelling would face wholly north,
every dwelling would have private outdoo r space, and substantial communal
amenity areas would be provided. The current scheme would also provide a
greater proportion of the required amenity space than the previous permissions.
1.4 The Council’s independent viability re view concludes that the development
cannot currently support affordable housing or an upfront payment in lieu. Early
and Late-Stage Viability Review mech anisms would therefore be secured
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through the Section 106 agreement to capture an affordable housing
contribution if viability improves. Th e legal agreement would also secure
adjoining highway works, residential parking -permit restrictions, employment
and construction training, a £29,134 carbon -offset contribution, a £41,500
public open-space contribution, and one car-club space on Tavistock Road.
1.5 The development would be substantially car-free and would provide policy-
compliant cycle parking, one accessible parking space and sustainable -travel
measures. Subject to the recommended conditions and planning obligations,
the proposal would not result in
an unacceptable impact on highway safety,
neighbouring residential amenity, noise, air quality, flood risk, fire safety or other
environmental considerations. The contributions towards housing delivery and
the effective use of an allocated brownfield site
are afforded significant weight,
particularly given the Council’s identified shortfall in deliverable housing land.
1.6 Due regard has been given to the 36 objections and the petition containing 29
valid signatures. The concerns raised regarding density, design, daylight and
sunlight, privacy, outlook, traffic, pa rking, noise and fire safety have been
considered in the relevant sections of the report. On balance, the proposal is
considered to accord with the development plan when read as a whole, and no
material considerations indicate that permission should be withheld. Approval
is therefore recommended, subject to completion of the Section 106 agreement
and the conditions set out in Appendix 1.
2 The Site and Locality
2.1 The site lies approximately 150m west of West Drayton Railway Station on the
northern side of Tavistock Road and immediately to the rear of the properties
fronting Yiewsley High Street. The site has an area of 670 sqm and comprises
a part one, part two
-storey office building which is currently occupied as an
office.
2.2 The site is bound by the Padcroft works development comprising 315 residential
units to the north and east. To the west is an industrial site, referred to as
COMAG, which has received consent for 104 residential units and ground level
community space. The site is allocated as Site C in Policy SA38 within the Site
Allocations and Designations (2020). It is designated as a site within
Yiewsley/West Drayton Town Centre and has a Public Transport Accessibility
Level (PTAL) rating of 3. The site is not located within a Conservation Area. The
nearest Area of Special Local Character is situated approximately 180m to the
south of the site.
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Figure 1: Location Plan (application site edged red)
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Figure 2: Photograph showing the existing building from Tavistock Road
(from the southeast)
Figure 3: Photograph showing the existing building from Tavistock Road
(from the southwest)
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3 Proposal
3.1 Planning permission is sought for de molition of existing building and
replacement with a 6 -storey building comprising residential units, landscaping
and amenity space. The proposed scheme would provide a total of 31
residential units (17 x one-bedroom flats, 10 x two-bedroom flats and 4 x three-
bedroom flats).
3.2 The proposed main entrance would be located on the southern frontage
abutting Tavistock Road. One no. of disabled parking space would be provided
on G/F accessible from Tavistock Road. 67 long
-stay cycle parking would be
provided within the cycle store on G/F whilst two Sheffield stands for 4 short-
stay cycle parking would be installed next to the proposed entrance abutting
Tavistock Road.
3.3 The proposed 6-storey building would be 22.5m high above ground level
(including roof-top lift-overrun). A communal amenity space would be provided
on the roof level.
Figure 4: Proposed Ground Floor Plan (please note – larger version of plan
can be found in the Committee Plan Pack)
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Figure 5: Proposed Southern Elevation
Figure 6: Proposed Section
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Figure 7: Proposed 3D Aerial View
4 Relevant Planning 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 35810/APP/2021/1234 sought permission on the
Tavistock Works site for the demolition of the existing building and development of
an 8 -storey building comprising resident ial units and associated car parking,
landscaping and amenity space. The appl ication was refused on 25th June 2021
for the following reasons:
1) The proposed development, by reason of its overall height, scale and siting
in close proximity to Fitzroy Court would result in a cramped and overbearing
visual relationship between the proposed development and the existing
Fitzroy Court development result ing in harm to the setting of Fitzroy Court,
in particular the appreciation of the a rchitectural composition of the south
eastern facade. Due to its layout and des ign, particularly the design of the
refuse store, the development would fail to provide conve nient and easily
accessible refuse and recycling storage . Due to the poor quality street
frontage along Tavistock Road, the proposal would be detrimental to the
visual amenities of the street scene and the character and appearance of the
Hillingdon Planning Committee – 14th October 2026
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wider area, contrary to Po licy BE1 of the Local Plan: Part One (November
2012), Policies DMHB 10, DMHB 11 and DMHB 12 of the Local Plan: Part
Two Development Management Polices (2020), Policies D1-D3, D6, D8, D9
of the London Plan (2021) and Paragraphs 127 and 130, 131 of the NPPF
(2019) and NPPF Draft text for consultation (2020).
2) The proposed development, due to its siting, layout, height and massing
cumulatively would have an unacceptably harmful impact on the residential
amenities of the neighbouring properties at Fitzroy Court resulting in
unacceptable loss of outlook, creation of undue sense of enclosure, loss of
light to neighbouring habitable rooms and result in an overbearing impact.
The proposal is therefore considered contrary to Policy BE1 of the Local
Plan: Part One (2012) and Policy DMHB 11 of the Local Plan: Part Two -
Development Management Policies (2020), Policy D3 of the London Plan
(2021), Paragraph 127 of the National Planning Policy Framework (2019)
and The Building Research Establishment (BRE) guidelines "Site Layout
Planning for Daylight and Sunlight: A Guide to Good Practice" (1991).
3) The proposed development, by virtue of its failure to provide amenity space
of sufficient size and quality commensurate to the size and layout of the said
units would result in an over- development of the site detrimental to the
residential amenity of existing and future occupiers. The proposal is therefore
contrary to Policy DMHB 18 of the emerging Hillingdon Local Plan: Part Two
- Development Management Policies (2020).
4) The proposed development, in the absence of a Section 106 legal
agreement, fails to provide contributions towards the improvement of
services and facilities as a consequence of demands created by the
proposed development (in respect of air quality contribu tions, affordable
housing, construction training, highways works, carbon offset, employment
and training, permit free parking, ca r club space delivery and project
management and monitoring). The scheme therefore conflicts with Policy
DMCI 7 of the Hillingd on Local Plan: Part Two Development management
Policies (2020), the London Borough of Hillingdon Supplementary Planning
Document on Planning Obligations, Policy DF1 of the London Plan (2021)
and paras 54-57 of the NPPF 2019.
4.3 The decision to refuse the application was appealed in December 2021 under
planning appeal reference APP/R5510/W/21/3288333 and was allowed on the 21st
September 2022. The Planning Inspector concluded by stating:
67. The proposal would underprovide on-site external space and result in a
reduction in daylight to neighbouring flats, resulting in a material deterioration
in their living conditions using BR E Guidelines and the VSC measure.
However, the consideration of the mirror image effect as an alternative
measure, has shown that an alternative scheme, mirroring Fitzroy Court,
would result in a substantially greate r reduction in daylight levels to the
affected bedroom windows.
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68. In contrast, the proposal would accord with allocation policy SA38 and would
deliver a scheme that is well designed and responds positively to the site and
its surroundings. The scheme would complement Padcroft Works and would
align with the scale of both this and the expired consent of Comag.
Therefore, the proposal wouId accord with the allocation's inherent
expectation for development on site to complement adjacent plots and the
site's urban context. Furthermore, the proposal would deliver housing on
previously developed land in a location with good accessibility and make a
small contribution towards affordable housing.
69. The proposal would extend and continue the existing grain of development
and contribute to the comprehensive redevelopment of this allocated site. On
this basis, the proposed development would have an acceptable impact on
neighbouring living conditions and its benefits would outweigh the under
provision of external amenity space.
70. There are no material considerations that indicate the application should be
determined other than in accordance wi th the development plan. For the
reasons given, the appeal should be allowed, and the scheme approved
subject to the attached conditions and s106 Legal Agreement.
4.4 Following the allowed ap peal, application refere nce 35810/A PP/2023/2106
permitted the following:
x Minor material amendment (s73) to vary Conditions 2 (Approved Plans) and
13 (Energy) of Planning Inspectorate decision letter dated 21-09- 2022 for
appeal reference APP/R5510/W/21/3 288333 (LPA planning reference
35810/APP/2021/1234) for the Demolition of ex isting building and
replacement with an up to 8- storey building comprising residential units,
landscaping and amenity space.
4.5 The proposed amendments included the replacement of the winter gardens with
balconies and the replacement of the reference to the energy statement within
Condition 13 to reflect an updated energy statement. Subject to securing the
necessary conditions and a Deed of Variation to the original Unilateral Undertaking,
including a reduction to the carbon offsetting financial contribution (from £44,622 to
£31,000), the application was approved.
4.6 Following the above grant of permission, application reference
35810/APP/2024/243 also permitted the following:
x Variation of Conditions 2 (Approved Plans), 3 (Supporting Documentation),
5 (Landscape Scheme) and 17 (Parking Allocation Scheme) of planning
permission ref. 35810/APP/2023/2106 dated 25-01- 2024 (Minor material
amendment (s73) to vary Conditions 2 (Approved Plans) and 13 (Energy) of
Planning Inspectorate decision letter dated 21-09-2022 for appeal reference
APP/R5510/W/21/3288333 (LPA planning reference
35810/APP/2021/1234) for the Demolition of existing building and
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replacement with an up to 8-storey bu ilding comprising residential units,
landscaping and amenity space)
4.7 The proposed amendments included the introduction of a second stair core and
reconfiguration of the ground floor car parking and servicing arrangement, including
the addition of a 1 bedroom 2 person unit. Subject to securing the necessary
conditions and a Deed of Variation to the original Unilateral Undertaking, including
a reduction to the carbon offsetting financial contribution (from £44,622 to £31,000)
and increase in the public open space contribution (from £42,500 to £44,000) the
application was recommended for approval.
4.8 Following the above grant of permission, application reference
35810/APP/2024/1651 also permitted the following:
x Variation of Conditions 2 (Approved Plans), 3 (Supporting Documentation),
5 (Landscape Scheme) and 13 (Energy) of Planning Inspectorate decision
letter dated 21-09- 2022 for appeal reference APP/R5510/W/21/3288333
(LPA planning reference 35810/APP/2021/1234 ) (Demolition of existing
building and replacement with an up to 8- storey building comprising
residential units, landscaping and amenity space)
4.9 The proposed amendments included the replacement of winter gardens with
balconies, reduction of car parking to pr ovide 1no. blue badge car parking space,
provision of an additional stair core, re configuration of ground floor service layout,
and provision of 6 additional residential units. Subject to securing the necessary
conditions and a Deed of Variation to the original Unilateral Undertaking, including
amended obligations to secure an upfront affordable housing payment in lieu equal
to £94,417, a reduced carbon offsetting financial contribution (from £44,622 to
£36,000) and increased in the public open space contribution (from £42,500 to
£51,000), the application is recommended for approval.
4.10 The comparison between the current scheme and the latest approved scheme
under 35810/APP/2024/1651 is tabulated below.
Table 1: Comparison between the Current Scheme and Approved Scheme
Current Scheme Approved Scheme under
35810/APP/2024/1651
No. of Storey 6 8
Max. Building
Height
22.5m above ground
(including roof-top
plant room)
28.5m above ground
(including roof-top plant
room)
No. of Flats 31
38
Flat Mix - 8 x 1B1P (26%);
- 9 x 1B2P (29%);
- 4 x 2B3P (13%);
- 6 x 2B4P (19%); and
- 4 x 3B4P (13%).
- 2 x 1B1P (5.3%);
- 16 x 1B2P (42.1%);
- 15 x 2B3P (39.5%);
- 1 x 2B4P (2.6%); and
- 4 x 3B4P (10.5%).
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Car Parking 1 disabled parking
space
1 disabled parking space
Cycle Parking 67 long-stay + 4 short-
stay
67 long-stay + 4 short-stay
5 Planning Policy
5.1 A list of planning policies relevant to the consideration of the application can be
found in Appendix 3.
Emerging Planning Policies
5.2 Policy DM4 of the National Planning Policy Framewor k (NPPF) 2026 states that
'Local Planning Authorities may give wei ght to relevant policies in emerging plans
according to:
(a) the stage of preparation of the emerging plan (the more advanced its
preparation, the greater the weight that may be given);
(b) the extent to which there are unresolved objections to relevant policies (the less
significant the unresolved objections, the greater the weight that may be given);
and
(c) the degree of consistency of the relevant policies in the emerging plan to this
Framework (the closer the policies in the emerging plan to the policies in the
Framework, the greater the weight that may be given).’
Draft London Plan (July 2026)
5.3 The GLA are consulting on a draft new London Plan between 16th July and 15th
October 2026 with the intention of replacing the previous versions of the existing
London Plan. Following the consultation, the draft London Plan will be subject to an
independent Examination in Public before final adoption, expected in early 2028.
5.4 As the unresolved objections have not yet been submitted and published for
decision-makers to review, limited weight can be afforded to the Draft London Plan
(July 2026) at present.
6 Consultations and Representations
6.1 A total of 79 no. letters were sent to neighbouring properties, site notices were
displayed and an advert was posted in the local paper. The neighbour consultation
process expired on 30th April 2026, and 36 objections were received from residents.
A petition in objection was also received with 29 valid signatures, from the residents
of Padcroft Works.
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6.2 Representations received in response to public consultation are summarised in
Table 2 (below). Consultee responses received are summarised in Table 3 (below).
Full copies of the responses have also separately been made available to Members.
Table 2: Summary of Representations Received
Representations Summary of Issues
Raised
Planning Officer
Response
36 objections
received
Petition in
objection received
with 29 valid
signatures.
Excessive density,
overdevelopment, and
inappropriate height, scale
and massing.
These matters are
addressed in the Density
(p
aragraphs 7.24 to 7.28)
and Design (paragraphs
7.29 to 7.35) sections of
this report.
Overbearing impact, loss
of outlook and increased
enclosure to residents of
Fitzroy Court.
These matters are
addressed in the
Residential Amenity
section (paragraphs 7.36
to 7.44) of this report. The
proposal’s height, siting,
separation and relationship
with neighbouring windows
have been assessed and
are considered acceptable
on balance.
Inadequate separation,
overlooking and loss of
privacy, including from
windows, balconies and
the rooftop amenity space.
These matters are
addressed in the
Residential Amenity
section (paragraphs 7.36
to 7.44) of this report.
Conditions would secure
obscure glazing, additional
privacy measures and the
detailed landscaping
scheme of the rooftop
space.
Loss of daylight and
sunlight to neighbouring
dwellings and amenity
spaces. Concerns are also
raised about the
methodology and absence
of Average Daylight Factor
calculations.
These matters are
addressed in the
Residential Amenity
section (paragraphs 7.36
to 7.44) of this report. The
assessment considers the
proposal against the
relevant BRE tests
.
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Insufficient parking,
parking displacement,
traffic congestion and
highway
-safety concerns
on Tavistock Road and
surrounding streets.
These matters are
addressed in the Highways
and Parking
section
(paragraphs 7.69 to 7.84)
of this report. The car-free
development is considered
acceptable given the site’s
accessibility. Parking
-
permit restrictions, cycle
parking, car-club provision,
highway works and
construction and servicing
controls would be secured
via conditions and S106
agreement
.
Pressure on local
infrastructure, amenities,
public services and public
transport.
The development would be
liable for Mayoral and
Hillingdon CIL. The
Section 106 agreement
would also secure public
open
-space, carbon-offset,
employment and transport
obligations.
Noise and disturbance
from residents, deliveries,
rooftop activity and plant
equipment.
This matter is addressed in
the Noise section
(paragraphs 7.89 to 7.92)
of this report. The
Council’s Noise Specialist
raises no objection subject
to conditions controlling
operational noise and
securing acceptable
internal noise levels.
Fire-safety concerns,
particularly the proximity of
the development and
rooftop elements to Fitzroy
Court.
This matter is addressed in
the Fire Safety section
(paragraphs 7.120 to
7.121) of this report. The
application is supported by
a Fire Statement
, and a
condition would secure
compliance with its
principles and submission
of final fire
-safety
information before
occupation.
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Insufficient private and
communal amenity space
and children’s play space.
These matters are
addressed in the Amenity
Spa
ce (paragraphs 7.53 to
7.60) and Play Space
(paragraphs 7.61 to 7.63)
sections of this report. The
amenity-space shortfall is
acknowledged and
weighed against the
proposal. The negligible
play
-space shortfall would
be addressed through the
final landscaping scheme.
Absence of affordable
housing and the need for
independent viability
scrutiny.
This matter is addressed in
the Affordable Housing
section (paragraphs 7.16
to 7.23) of this report. The
applicant’s viability
assessment has been
independently reviewed.
Early and Late
-Stage
Viability Reviews would
capture any affordable
housing contribution
arising from improved
viability.
Concern that the
development would
increase crime and anti-
social behaviour.
This matter is addressed in
the Security section
(paragraphs 7.118 to
7.119) of this report. A
condition would require
Secured by Design
accreditation before
occupation.
Lack of meaningful pre-
application consultation
with residents.
Developer-led consultation
is encouraged but is not a
statutory requirement. The
Council has undertaken
the required consultation
and has considered all
representations received.
The previous permission
has expired and there is no
fallback position. Previous
This matter is addressed in
the Planning History
(paragraphs 4.1 to 4.10)
and Principle of
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refusals should be given
significant weight.
Development (paragraphs
7.1 to 7.7) sections of this
report. The previous
permission is not treated
as an extant fallback. The
current proposal has been
assessed afresh, while the
full planning history
remains a material
consideration.
Adverse effects on
residents’ health, wellbeing
and quality of life.
The underlying material
impacts, including daylight,
sunlight, privacy, outlook,
and noise, are assessed in
the relevant sections of the
report
.
Loss of property value. Effects on private property
values are not a material
planning consideration.
Table 3: Summary of Consultee Responses
Consultee and Summary of
Comments
Planning Officer Response
Contaminated Land Officer
No objection subject to a condition
requiring the submission of a scheme
to deal with unacceptable
contamination, to be submitted prior to
the commencement of development.
The Contaminated Land Officer
comments are noted and taken into
consideration as part of the
planning assessment.
Please refer to Condition 8
(Contamination) as set out in
Appendix 1 of the report.
Noise Officer
No objection subject to conditions to
secure appropriate levels of noise for
residential occupiers.
The Noise Officer comments are
noted and taken into consideration
as part of the planning assessment.
Please
refer to Conditions 9 and 10
(Noise Levels) as set out in
Appendix 1 of the report.
Air Quality Officer
The Air Quality Officer comments
are noted and taken into
consideration as part of the
planning assessment.
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No objection subject to conditions
securing submission of Construction
Logistics and Management Plan.
Please refer to Condition 13
(Construction Logistics and
Management Plan) as set out in
Appendix 1 of the report.
Highways Authority
No objection is raised on highway
grounds, subject to appropriate
conditions and planning obligations.
The proposal is considered capable of
being accommodated within the local
highway network without an
unacceptable impact on highway safety
or a severe residual impact on traffic
congestion.
Conditions are requested to secure a
Construction Logistics Plan and a
Delivery and Servicing Plan. Planning
obligations are also sought to secure
adjoining highway works and
restrictions preventing future occupiers,
other than Blue Badge holders, from
obtaining residential parking permits.
The Highway Authority initially raised
uncertainty regarding the deliverability
of the proposed car club and sought a
Healthy Streets contribution instead.
The applicant subsequently confirmed
that a car
-club operator is willing and
able to operate the proposed car-club
space.
The Highway Authority’s comments
are noted and taken into
consideration as part of the
planning assessment.
The relevant construction,
servicing, parking and highway
controls would be secured through
conditions and the Section 106
agreement. The car
-club provision
would be retained. For the reasons
set out in the Highways and
Parking assessment
(paragraphs
7.69 to 7.84), a separate Healthy
Streets contribution has not been
demonstrated
to be necessary to
make the development acceptable.
Please refer to the Highways and
Parking section and the relevant
conditions and Heads of Terms.
Planning Policy Officer
No objection is raised to the proposed
housing mix. Although family
-sized
units would represent 13% of the
development, the site is sustainably
located, has a PTAL rating of 3 and is
close to West Drayton Station, public
transport and local services.
The proportion of family-sized
dwellings is also comparable with the
The Planning Policy Team’s
comments are noted and taken into
consideration as part of the
planning assessment.
Please refer to the Housing Mix
section
(Paragraphs 7.8 to 7.15) of
the report.
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12% secured under the original appeal
scheme.
Urban Design Officer
The change from red brick to light
-
brown brick is welcomed and would
improve the visual relationship with the
adjoining Padcroft Works development.
The revised principal entrance is also
welcomed as an improvement to its
legibility and sense of arrival.
Further revisions are recommended to
the glazed white brick, eastern
elevation, corner balconies, roof
-level
balcony canopies, glazed balustrades,
balcony fixings, bronze
-coloured
metalwork and balcony soffits.
Detailed specifications of the brickwork,
windows, balconies, external materials
and architectural finishes should be
secured by condition.
The Urban Design Officer’s
comments are noted and taken into
consideration as part of the
planning assessment.
Having reviewed the proposal
against the design previously
accepted at the site, officers have
taken a balanced and pragmatic
approach and consider the design
acceptable on balance. The
detailed materials, brickwork,
windows, balcony construction,
metalwor
k and soffits would be
secured through the proposed
external materials condition.
Please refer to the Design and
Impact on the Character and
Appearance of the Area section
(Paragraphs
7.29 to 7.35) and
Condition 4 as set out in Appendix
1 of the report.
HSE Fire Safety
The proposal does not fall within the
remit of Planning Gateway One
because the proposed building would
not meet the relevant height condition
of at least 18 metres or seven storeys.
No further response from the Building
Safety Regulator is therefore required
under the Planning Gateway One
consultation process.
The Building Safety Regulator’s
comments are noted.
Notwithstanding that the proposal
falls outside Planning Gateway
One, the application is supported
by a Fire Statement. Condition
11
as set out in Appendix 1 of the
report would secure compliance
with the submitted fire-safety
principles and require a final
comprehensive Fire Statement
before occupation.
Thames Water
No objection is raised regarding
wastewater
-network or sewage-
treatment capacity.
The development would be located
within 15 metres of a strategic sewer. A
condition is requested requiring the
submission and approval of a piling
Thames Water’s comments are
noted and taken into consideration
as part of the planning assessment.
The requested piling condition
would be imposed
as Condition 20
as set out in Appendix 1 of the
report.
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PART 1 – Members, Public & Press
method statement and piling layout
before any piling takes place, to
prevent damage to underground
sewerage infrastructure.
Separate approvals may also be
required for works within the vicinity of
public sewers, groundwater discharge
and any proposed surface
-water
connection to the public sewer. The
developer should consult Thames
Water regarding any necessary build-
over agreement, groundwater permit or
sewer connection approval.
Informatives would also advise the
developer of the potential need for
a build
-over agreement,
groundwater-discharge permit and
separate approval for any
connection to the public sewer.
7 Planning Assessment
Principle of Development
7.1 The principle of residential development at the site has been established through
the planning history set out in Section 4 of this report. Although planning application
ref. 35810/APP/2021/1234 was refused by the Council and subsequently allowed
on appeal, the Council raised no objection to the residential redevelopment of the
site in principle. The subsequent Section 73 applications similarly proceeded on the
basis that the residential use of the site remained acceptable.
7.2 Conditions 6 and 12(A) of the most recent permission, ref. 35810/APP/2024/1651,
were discharged on 18 July 2025 and 21 July 2025 respectively. However, the
discharge of pre-commencement conditions does not, in itself, demonstrate that a
material operation was carried out within the relevant time limit so as to lawfully
implement the permission. The permission has therefore expired and does not
constitute an extant fallback capable of implementation. Nevertheless, the previous
appeal decision and subsequent permissions remain part of the relevant planning
history and are material considerations. Appropriate weight is afforded to the
conclusions previously reached regarding the acceptability of residential
development at the site and, where relevant, the design parameters previously
accepted.
7.3 The previous applications were determined before publication of the revised NPPF
in August 2026. The current application must therefore be determined against the
development plan, the relevant policies of the revised NPPF and all other material
considerations in force at the date of determination.
7.4 The site comprises previously developed la nd within the built-up area and is in a
highly accessible location close to West Dr ayton Station. Policy L2 of the revised
NPPF states that substantial weight shoul d be given to the benefits of proposals
which make better use of vacant or underutilised land and buildings. Policy L3 also
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requires residential development within se ttlements to contribute to an increase in
the density of the area, unless there is a clear justification why this would be
inappropriate or not possible, and requir es proposals within reasonable walking
distance of a well-connected station to optimise the efficient use of land.
7.5 These national policies are consistent with London Plan Policy H1, Local Plan Part
1 Policy H1 and the allocation of the site under Policy SA 38 of the Local Plan Part
2. Policy SA 38 supports residential development on Site C and seeks the
comprehensive development of the site wi th the adjoining allocated sites, subject
to the relevant design and development plan requirements.
7.6 Accordingly, the revised NPPF does not al ter the previously accepted principle of
residential redevelopment. The proposal wo uld make effective use of previously
developed land within an established urba n area, deliver additional housing and
redevelop an underutilised site in an accessible location. The previous appeal
decision and subsequent permissions rema in material considerations, although
they do not constitute an extant fallback.
7.7 The principle of residential development is therefore considered acceptable.
However, this conclusion does not predeter mine the acceptability of the detailed
proposal, which must be assessed against the current development plan and
revised NPPF in relation
to matters including design, height and density, housing
mix and affordable housing, residential quality, neighbouring amenity, transport,
accessibility, environmental impacts and planning obligations.
Housing Mix
7.8 Policy H10 of the London Plan (2021) states that residential schemes should
generally provide a range of unit sizes. In determining the appropriate mix, regard
should be given to robust local evidence of need, the delivery of mixed and inclusive
neighbourhoods, the need for homes at different price points, the mix of uses and
the range of tenures proposed. Policy DMH 2 of the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part 2
(2020) similarly requires residential developments to provide a mix of housing units
of different sizes which reflects the Council’s latest evidence of housing need.
7.9 The Council’s Strategic Housing Marketing Assessment identifies a need for three-
bedroom family sized homes and a broader requirement for affordable homes. In
broad terms sites of more than 10 residential units should be providing at least 20%
family sized homes to meet both existing and future demand.
7.10 Notwithstanding the position set out in the SHMA consideration should be given to
the wider development plan and supplementary guidance. There is clear support
within the NPPF, London Plan and Local Plan for higher density residential
development within sustainable and town centre locations. Higher densities are
achieved through the provision of smaller sized units therefore naturally a more
flexible approach to unit mix is applied.
7.11 The application proposes 31 market housing units comprising:
x 8 x one-bedroom, one-person units, or 26%;
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x 9 x one-bedroom, two-person units, or 29%;
x 4 x two-bedroom, three-person units, or 13%;
x 6 x two-bedroom, four-person units, or 19%; and
x 4 x three-bedroom, four-person units, or 13%.
7.12 When grouped by bedroom size, the proposal would provide 17 x 1 bed units (55%),
10 x 2 bed units (32%) and 4 x 3 bed units (13%). No units with four or more
bedrooms are proposed. The proposed mix is therefore weighted towards smaller
accommodation, particularly one and two bedroom units.
7.13 The proposal site is located within clos e proximity of a railway station and is
therefore situated in a highly accessible and sustainable location. National planning
policy seeks to make effective use of land in locations that are well-served by public
transport, reducing reliance on private vehicles and supporting sustainable patterns
of growth. The Government has further strengthened its support for residential
development within reasonable walking distance of well
-connected railway stations,
introducing a policy presumption in favo ur of such development subject to
compliance with relevant criteria relati ng to design, infrastructure capacity,
environmental impacts and other material planning considerations. As such,
significant weight is attributed to the site 's accessibility and its ability to contribute
towards housing delivery in a sustainable location
. The scheme would also provide
ten two -bedroom units, including six two-bedroom, four- person units capable of
accommodating smaller families.
7.14 The planning history is also a material consideration. The original 32-unit scheme
allowed on appeal in 2022 included four three- bedroom units, representing 12.5%
of the development. The latest 38 -unit permission granted in 2025 also included
four three-bedroom units, representing 10.5% of that scheme. The current proposal
retains the same number of three-bedroom homes, while increasing their proportion
to approximately 13% due to the lower overall number of dwellings.
7.15 Appropriate weight has been afforded to the Government’s position on the
presumption in favour of optimising hous ing delivery through higher densities on
sites which are well connected and within walking distance to train stations. The site
is located adjacent to West Drayton Train Station which is served by two separate
mainline train services one being the Elizabeth Line. Further weight is afforded to
the previous decisions on the site and the position on unit mix set within these
decisions. On balance, having regard to the flatted nature of the scheme, the
accessible location, the relevant planning history and the range of dwelling sizes
proposed, the housing mix is considered acceptable.
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Affordable Housing
7.16 Policy H5 of the London Plan (2021) seeks to maximise the delivery of affordable
housing and establishes a threshold approach for major residential development.
Schemes which do not meet the relevant affordable housing threshold are required
to follow the Viability Tested Route. Policy H6 sets a strategic target for 50% of all
new homes delivered across London to be genuinely affordable, while Policy H4
requires affordable housing to be provided on
-site unless there are exceptional
circumstances.
7.17 Policy H2 of the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part One (2012) seeks affordable housing
on developments with a capacity of 10 or more units, subject to viability. The
Council’s policy position is that 35% of new homes should be delivered as
affordable housing, with an indicative te nure split of 70% Social Rent and 30%
intermediate housing.
7.18 The proposed development comprises 31 residential units but does not include any
on-site affordable housing or an affordable housing payment in lieu. The application
has therefore been assessed under the Viability Tested Route and is supported by
a Financial Viability Assessment.
7.19 The applicant’s assessment concluded that the proposed development, based on
100% private housing, would generate a deficit of approximately £2.468 million
against its adopted viability benchmark. The applicant therefore contended that the
development could not support any affordable housing provision.
7.20 The Council has procured an independent viability consultant to undertake a third
party review of the Applicants FVA. Th is review involves the consultants
undertaking a viability appraisal as well as the assessment of the Applicants FVA.
Initial comments identified some differen ces in the key assumptions (such as the
build costs) which has resulted in the subm ission of revised information. This
information has been reviewed by the Councils independent consultant who has
confirmed that the scheme would generate a deficit of £160,855 and the
assumptions which result in the arrival of this figure have now been agreed by the
Applicant. This agreement is significant to ensure that the assumptions which will
form the baseline of the early and late-stage review mechanisms are agreed.
7.21 It is noted that the previous consents on the site also generated deficits, albeit the
Applicant agreed to pay a financial contribution i n-lieu of an on site affordable
provide, of up to £94,417. Taking into consideration the increase in build costs and
other costs associated with residential development there is a genuine increase in
risk for housebuilders which has been factored into the decision not to peruse an
affordable housing contribution on this development. Moreover, there is no
reasonable policy basis to do so which could be defended in the event of a refusal
given the Council’s own ind ependent viability consultant has agreed that
the
development does result in a deficit rather than a surplus.
7.22 Notwithstanding the current position on affordable housing, the Applicant has
agreed with the Councils position on the value of the deficit which would form the
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basis of an early and late-stage review mechanism. Both mechanisms would allow
for a review of the assumptions at particular stages of the process beyond planning
approval and should a surplus be identified the is a mechanism to secure a financial
contribution in lieu of on site provision .
7.23 The detailed review provisions, including the triggers, appraisal methodology,
treatment of surplus and any cap on additional contributions, would be agreed
through the Section 106 agreement. Subject to securing these mechanisms, the
affordable housing position is considered acceptable on viability grounds.
Density
7.24 Policy DMHB 17 of the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part 2 (2020) states that all new
residential development should take acc ount of the Residential Density Matrix
contained in Table 5.2.
7.25 Paragraph 5.67 of the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part 2 (2020) states that Hillingdon will
apply the density standards set out in the London Plan in a flexible manner,
according to local circumstances. Large parts of the borough, including many areas
in close proximity to town centres, are suburban in character and will lean heavily
towards the applications of lower to mid range density scales. Table 5.2 represents
a starting point for discussions on the is sue of residential density, which should
ultimately be determined by a design led approach.
7.26 Policy D3 (Optimising Site Capacity th rough the Design-led Approach) of the
London Plan (2021) further requires all development to make the best use of land
following a design-led approach that optimises the capacity of sites, including site
allocations and offers no density matrix figures. The policy further states that higher
density developments should generally be promoted in locations that are well
connected to jobs, services, infrastructure and amenities by public transport,
walking and cycling.
7.27 The area surrounding the site is mixed in character. There is an established
suburban character with low -rise residential properties located to the north and
south. The immediate context, forming part of the site allocation, would be more
urban in character with higher density development. The site has a moderate PTAL
rating of 3 and is within 100m of the Yiewsley and West Drayton Town centre
boundary, characteristics more akin to an urban setting.
Whilst PTAL is a useful
measuring tool it should not be relied upon to provide a substantive position on
whether the site is in a sustainable location to provide a higher density form of
development. It is important to note that this scheme provides a lower-level density
than that previously accepted. It is in walking distance to a main and well-connected
train station, it is on the edge of a town centre and primary shopping area meaning
that it is very close to the amenities that future residential occupants will need for
everyday living needs.
7.28 Contrary to the development plans support for the optimisation of brownfield sites,
this could be viewed as an under optimisation given the previous permissions for a
higher number of units. However, a key co nsideration is the viability of bringing
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forward a denser development which would breach the threshold of gateway 2 fire
safety regulations. Clearly this would have been explored during the live period of
previous consents and was not viable to br ing forward. The principle of residential
development has already been established on this site through the appeal allowed
in 2022. With the reduction in number of units from 38 to 31 compared to the latest
S73 permission in 2025, the proposed density would be reduced moderately and
would be similar to that under the original scheme allowed at appeal in 2022.
Therefore, the proposed density is considered acceptable in this location.
Design and Impact on the Character and Appearance of the Area
7.29 Policies DMHB 11 and DMHB 12 of the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part 2 - Development
Management Policies (2020); Hillingdon Local Plan Part 1: Strategic Policies (2012)
Policy BE1; as well as Policies D1, D3 and D4 of the London Plan (2021); in addition
to Policy DP3 of the NPPF each seek to ensure that development achieves the
highest standard of design, which integrates positively to the character its
surroundings.
7.30 The proposed design approach broadly aligns with the design of the latest approved
scheme under 35810/APP/2024/1651. The comparison of the key parameters
between the current scheme and the approved scheme is summarised in Table 1
above. The most notable changes are the reduction in number of storeys from 8 to
6 and reduction in number of flats from 38 to 31. The applicant advised that such
changes are proposed to address the increasing development costs, changing
market condition a
nd recent regulatory requirements such as the Building Safety
Regulations’ Gateway process and Building Safety Levy. The current scheme with
reduced building height would result in a more deliverable scheme in the current
regulatory and market context.
7.31 The proposed reduction in height by two storeys, approximately 6 metres, is
considered acceptable from an urban design and townscape perspective. The
application site lies immediately south of the Padcroft Works development, which
comprises an eight
-storey block to the northwest and a six- storey block to the
southeast. At six storeys, the proposed building would complement the stepped
height profile of Padcroft Works and respond appropriately to the scale and form of
the surrounding development.
The submitted Heritage, Townscape and Visual
Impact Assessment concludes that the pr oposal would have a negligible effect on
the assessed public views, owing to the lower building height and the established
scale and density of adjoining development. The most noticeable change would be
from Tavistock Road, where the reduced height would improve the relationship
between the proposed building and the street. In longer -distance views, the
proposal would remain read as part of t he wider built context and would not result
in any material change to the townscape. Accordingly, the reduction in height would
not cause harm to the character or appearance of the area. Instead, it would provide
an appropriate transition between the taller and lower elements of Padcroft Works.
The proposed height and massing are therefore considered acceptable.
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Figure 8: Comparison of 3D aerial view between the Current Scheme (left) and
the Approved Scheme (right)
Figure 9: Comparison of 3D Tavistock Road Frontage view between the
Current Scheme (left) and the Approved Scheme (right)
7.32 Following the initial comments of the Council’s Urban Design Officer, the applicant
has made several improvements to the scheme. These include a revised material
palette intended to improve the relationship with the adjoining Padcroft Works
development, together with changes to the principal entrance to improve its legibility
and sense of arrival.
The principal facing material has been changed from the red
brick previously proposed to a light-brown brick. This amendment is welcomed and
would allow the building to respond more cl osely to the established architectural
character and material palette of Padcroft Works. The revised entrance
incorporates an angled wall and provision for building signage, which would give
the entrance greater prominence and provide a clearer point of access. The detailed
specifications of the brickwork, glazed white brick, windows, balconies, metalwork
and soffits would be secured through a planning condition to ensure an appropriate
quality, colour, texture and finish.
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Figure 10: Photograph showing the existing material and appearance of
Padcroft Works
Figure 11: 3D Illustration of the Proposed Entrance Design
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7.33 The Urban Design Officer has raised further comments regarding elements of the
elevation and fenestration design, including the treatment of the eastern elevation,
the position and appearance of the corner balconies, the roof -level balcony
canopies and the detailed design of the balcony balustrades. The preference for
clear frameless glazing, discreet fixings and bronze-coloured metalwork and soffits
can be appropriately addressed through the proposed external materials and
detailing condition. The remaining comments regarding the position of the corner
balconies and the general treatment of the eastern elevation are noted. However,
these elements broadly reflect design f eatures included within the previously
approved scheme. While the previous permission has expired and does not
represent an extant fallback, the design previously found acceptable remains a
relevant material consideration. Moreover, the identified elements are not
considered to cause significant harm to the overall architectural composition or the
character and appearance of the surrounding area.
7.34 Officers have therefore taken a balanced and pragmatic approach. Having regard
to the improvements made during the application, the relationship with Padcroft
Works, the planning history of the site a nd the ability to secure an appropriate
standard of materials and architectural detailing through condition, the design is
considered acceptable on balance.
7.35 Overall, the proposal would provide an appropriate architectural response to the
site and surrounding context and would accord with Policy DP3 of the National
Planning Policy Framework (2026), Policy D3 of the London Plan (2021), Policy
BE1 of the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part One (2012), and Policies DMHB 11 and
DMHB 12 of the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part Two (2020).
Residential Amenity
7.36 Policy DMHB 11 of Hillingdon Council's Local Plan Part 2 seeks to ensure that
development proposals do not adversely impact residential amenities, daylight, and
sunlight of adjacent properties, and open space. The supporting text for this policy
states that the Council will expect new development proposals to carefully consider
layout and massing to ensure development does not result in an increased sense
of enclosure and loss of outlook.
7.37 The nearest residential properties are within Fitzroy Court to the north and Yardley
Court to the east, both forming part of the completed Padcroft Works development.
The COMAG development lies to the west. The proposed building would be six
storeys in height, two storeys lower than the previously approved scheme. The
reduction in height would lessen the visual presence of the development and its
potential daylight, sunlight and overbearing effects on adjoining occupiers.
7.38 The submitted Daylight and Sunlight Asse ssment has assessed the proposal in
accordance with the BRE guidance. Under the Vertical Sky Component
assessment, 26 of the 41 assessed neighbouring windows, equivalent to 63%,
would meet the BRE recommendations. Although some windows would experience
reductions beyond the recommended levels, the more detailed No Sky Line
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PART 1 – Members, Public & Press
assessment demonstrates that all neighbouring rooms capable of being assessed
would retain acceptable daylight levels. The mirrored -massing assessment also
identifies only three windows falling below the relevant comparative criteria.
7.39 Departures from the BRE recommendations are not unique to the current proposal.
The assessment supporting the approved Section 73 scheme identified lower
retained daylight levels to four windows within Fitzroy Court, serving one bedroom
and three living, kitchen and dining rooms, together with a reduction in winter
sunlight to one bedroom. These effects were previously considered acceptable
because the affected living spaces were served by additional windows, the affected
windows were secondary to the principal windows serving those rooms, and
daylight and sunlight are generally less important to bedrooms. The bedroom
affected by reduced winter sunlight also retained annual sunlight substantially
above the BRE recommendation. This demonstrates that some departure from the
BRE numerical guidance has previously been accepted as an unavoidable
consequence of developing this constrained urban site.
7.40 In comparison, the current six-storey pr oposal is lower than the approved scheme
and achieves improved overall daylight results. The previously accepted impacts
therefore provide relevant context supporti ng the conclusion that the more limited
departures identified under the current assessment are acceptable on balance.
7.41 The current proposal represents an improved position in several respects. Its VSC
compliance rate is 63%, compared with 56% for the previously assessed scheme.
All rooms tested under the more repres entative No Sky Line assessment would
meet the BRE recommendations, compared with 83% under the previous
assessment.
7.42 In terms of sunlight, 23 of the 26 assessed windows would meet both the annual
and winter recommendations, with one further window meeting the annual
recommendation.
It is noted that some neighbouring balconies and external amenity
spaces would experience reductions in sunlight. However, several of these spaces
are already constrained by their vertically stacked design and the surrounding high-
density built form.
The overall sunlight effect would not be materially worse than that
associated with the previously permitted development.
7.43 In relation to privacy, the principal habitable-room windows and balconies would
face south towards Tavistock Road. Wind ows facing north towards Fitzroy Court
would primarily serve circulation or ancilla ry spaces and would be obscure glazed
where necessary. Windows facing east to wards Yardley Court would retain a
separation of approximately 15 metres. While a degree of mutual overlooking is
characteristic of this high
-density setting, a condition would require obscure glazing
and additional privacy measures to the relevant windows facing Yardley Court.
7.44 Overall, having regard to the reduced building height, the findings of the daylight
and sunlight assessment, the improved performance relative to the approved
Section 73 scheme, the previously accept
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