Relief as ‘massive’ application rejected
CHEERS AT PACKED MEETING AS 267-HOME PLAN IS UNANIMOUSLY DISMISSED
PROTESTORS raised the roof with a massive cheer on Tuesday after a proposal they had fiercely opposed was turned down by councillors.
The planning meeting was held in the council chamber at Uxbridge Civic Centre.
Petitioners made eloquent pleas for refusal of the development of 267 homes which included a 12-storey block and only nine parking spaces in Harefield Road, Uxbridge.
Manoli Freire, speaking for residents of Lancaster Road, said the development would be an eyesore, their back gardens would be overlooked, and they would suffer from loss of natural light during the day, and from security lights at night.
Sue Lambell, petitioner for Pages Lane and Princes Mansions, said the proposal is too large, too high and would involve the loss of Wickes and Halfords which have been valuable suppliers for 25 years.
She said recent new developments such as St Andrews Park have not led to “enhancements in the size of GP practices, and we shouldn’t be adding to the strain with another massive development.”
Jackie Whitmore, petitioner on behalf of Kent Close said it was beyond comprehension that a car-free development was ever considered for the site.
The end result would exacerbate on-street parking, while Harefield Road already suffers from constant rush hour traffic and congestion.
“Travel to and from Uxbridge by car is often a necessity, especially for those with young families, the elderly and disabled. Emergency vehicles, refuse collectors and home deliveries would also need to park.”
After the meeting Uxbridge North ward councillor Martin Goddard told the Gazette: “I am absolutely delighted with the unanimous refusal decision. The applicants and the council can be left in no doubt about the strength of local opposition. The lead petitioners presented their case with outstanding clarity and it was wonderful to see the council chamber filled by so many concerned Hillingdon residents.”
MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip, Boris Johnson, had also backed residents in a letter to the chairman.
Although there are 15 grounds for refusal, applicant – the Watkins Jones Group (WJG) – can return with an amended application within six months. Also, the Greater London Authority (GLA) could ‘call in’ the application and determine it themselves.