Northwood, Hillingdon – Development at 78 High Street Approved
Northwood, Hillingdon – Residents' concerns regarding a proposed residential development at 78 High Street, Northwood, were discussed at a recent Hillingdon Planning Committee meeting, ultimately leading to the project's approval with specific conditions.
The application, submitted by Ms and Mr Jones, proposes the demolition of existing rear workshop buildings (Use Class E) and the construction of two self-contained flats and one dwellinghouse (Use Class C3). The plans also incorporate associated private amenity space, landscaping, cycle and refuse storage, along with alterations and a two-storey rear extension to the existing building, including internal layout changes to the first-floor residential flat and the installation of a rear dormer window.
Local residents voiced opposition to the proposal, submitting a petition with 58 signatures during the initial consultation, followed by another with 22 signatures after amended plans were released. Their concerns primarily focused on potential overdevelopment of the site and the impact on the existing ground floor retail unit at 78 High Street.
Despite these objections, planning officers recommended approval, subject to conditions, highlighting the development's location in a sustainable town centre with good access to public transport and local facilities. The planning officers' report stated that the proposed development would retain the main retail floor space for the shop unit and create a small store with WC to serve it, and that officers were satisfied that the proposed development would not prejudice the continued operation of a retail unit. The report also noted that the construction phase will be managed to minimize disruption, with details secured via a Construction Management Plan.
The report also stated that the proposed development would replicate the general siting of existing structures, and that the proposed built form would sit comfortably within the established context and would not appear incongruous or out of character.
At the Hillingdon Planning Committee meeting on Tuesday 16 December 2025, Councillors, including Councillor Henry Higgins (Chair, Hillingdon Planning Committee), Councillor Adam Bennett, and Councillor Keith Burrows (Chair, Registration & Appeals Committee), addressed the application, referenced as 78 High Street, Northwood - 32265/APP/2025/280
. They ultimately approved the recommendations outlined in the report and addendum, subject to conditions detailed in Public reports pack 16th-Dec-2025 19.00 Hillingdon Planning Committee under Appendix 1. These conditions include requirements for materials, landscaping, step-free access, and restrictions on future extensions and use as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).
One key aspect of the approval is that the development will be car-free. Future residents will not be eligible to apply for parking permits, as the address is not located within a controlled parking zone. The Council's Highways Officer has deemed a car-free scheme acceptable due to the site's town centre location and proximity to public transport, with the nearest bus stop within 40m and the nearest underground station a 13-minute walk away.
The approved conditions aim to ensure the development aligns with planning policies and protects the amenity of the area.
The Hillingdon Planning Committee also approved recommendations for the Heathrow Airport expansion at the same meeting. You can read more about that on the Open Council Network.
