Hillingdon Council opposes Mayor's housing plan
The council argues the draft plan disproportionately targets the borough's green spaces for development.
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Hillingdon Council is challenging the Mayor of London's draft plan for housing development, stating it places significant pressure on the borough's green spaces. The draft plan targets 24,030 homes for Hillingdon over a decade, averaging 2,403 homes annually. This figure is more than double the borough's current London Plan target.
The Mayor's strategy, currently open for consultation, identifies that 61 per cent of the proposed homes should be built on Hillingdon's green spaces. This represents the largest allocation of Green Belt land for development proposed for any London borough.
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Council's Opposition and Concerns
Hillingdon Council is preparing a formal response to the consultation, questioning why the borough has been selected for such a disproportionate level of development. Council leaders maintain that planning decisions should be based on evidence, local input, and necessary infrastructure.
Cllr Steve Tuckwell, Leader of Hillingdon Council, stated that the plan shows a lack of regard for local residents. He said, "The Mayor's answer appears to be 'Hillingdon', expecting our borough to sacrifice more Green Belt than anywhere else in London." He added that there is no evidence to justify this burden on Hillingdon.
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The council's own Growth Plan focuses on developing brownfield sites and making appropriate use of grey belt land, while protecting valued Green Belt land wherever possible. Cllr Tuckwell emphasised that the Green Belt is crucial for protecting communities, supporting wildlife, improving air quality, and providing valued open spaces.
Heathrow Expansion Impact
Council leaders also expressed concern that the draft London Plan does not adequately account for the potential impacts of Heathrow expansion on the borough. Cllr Tuckwell noted that a credible plan for Hillingdon's future cannot be created while ignoring the potential effects of what could be Europe's largest infrastructure project.
Hillingdon Council stated that while the borough is committed to growth, it must be the 'right growth'. Residents can submit their views on the Mayor's draft London Plan until Thursday, October 15.
Questions this report answers
+Why does Hillingdon Council oppose the Mayor's housing plan?
Hillingdon Council argues the plan unfairly targets 61% of new homes for green spaces in the borough, which is more than double its current target. They believe this disproportionate burden ignores local needs and infrastructure, and fails to consider Heathrow expansion impacts.
+How many homes does the Mayor’s plan propose for Hillingdon?
The Mayor’s draft plan proposes 24,030 new homes for Hillingdon over 10 years, averaging 2,403 homes annually. This figure is significantly higher than the borough’s current London Plan target, raising concerns about feasibility and local impact.
+What is Hillingdon Council’s alternative approach to housing development?
Hillingdon Council’s Growth Plan prioritises developing brownfield sites and grey belt land while protecting Green Belt areas. This approach aims to balance growth with preserving valued open spaces and supporting wildlife and air quality.
+How can residents share their views on the Mayor’s draft plan?
Residents can submit their views on the Mayor’s draft London Plan until Thursday, October 15. The consultation allows the public to influence decisions on housing development and green space protection in Hillingdon.
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