‘Greedy’ flat plans are too big
Developers hoping to build on pub site meet opposition from neighbours
PLANS to replace the former Tommy Flynns pub in Hillingdon with 31 flats will be ‘too overbearing’ say residents, who are raising a petition against the plans.
Preston Bennett property developers have submitted plans for a “high quality residential scheme” of 12 one-bed and 16 two-bed apartments plus three three-bedroomapartments after they demolish the existing building in Sutton Court Road.
But locals are accusing the developers of being ‘too greedy’ and seeking to cram too many homes on to the site and are calling for a more sympathetic build.
Amanda Mackenzie, a yoga teacher, who lives in Sutton Court Road with her partner and daughter, said of the planned apartment building: “It’s very overbearing, it would overlook all the houses at the back and the front and even block sunlight.
“We’re not opposing a redevelopment but they are being too greedy with this build – it’s way too big. They haven’t shown the dwarfing of the houses and they haven’t shown the congestion.”
More than 260 people have signed a petition to halt the current plans.
Ann Clifford, of Silver Way and a member of Oak Farm Residents’ Association, is worried about the overall effects on the area.
She said: “We have six schools and a lot of schoolchildren walking around. With traffic in the morning it’s already a very busy area, so we just can’t sustain a build like this.
“It will be like a cruise ship at night lit up. The balconies will look over every aspect so no one will have privacy. The drainage around here will not support it.”
Lara Wilshel, owner of Roses are Red florist, is concerned a lack of parking will effect her business. She said: “The parking is atrocious as people double park on Sutton Court Road. If they were to build the flats, they haven’t provided adequate parking so they would then park elsewhere.
“This means customers can’t park, they can’t buy anything, and shops shut down! It really is that simple.”
Tommy Flynns has been vacant for over 18 months after it was closed due to antisocial behaviour.
Paul Jenkins, planning associate at Preston Bennett, said the scheme had been substantially amended to reflect the concerns of local residents and planning officers.
He added: “It is policy compliant [with Hillingdon Council] in matters such as parking provision and amenity space.
“We will re-develop a vacant, brownfield site to provide much needed additional first time buyer and family housing for which there is a chronic shortage within London and Hillingdon.”
Anyone wishing to comment on the proposals can write, quoting reference 8396/ APP/2014/4118, to: London Borough of Hillingdon Planning Department, Civic Centre, High Street, Uxbridge UB8 1UW.