Hillingdon Council's Planning Committee has approved plans for new homes in Northwood Hills, paving the way for development on land at Rushmoor Close. The committee granted permission for the erection of two two-storey detached dwellinghouses, complete with associated parking, landscaping, and ancillary works.
This decision was made despite objections from local residents and the Northwood Hills Residents Association, who had raised concerns regarding the loss of garden land, the impact on the character of the Eastcote Village Conservation Area, neighbouring amenity, parking, and trees.
However, the Council's Conservation Officer deemed the design to be contextually appropriate and of high quality. This assessment was informed by the established Arts and Crafts character of Rushmoor Close, incorporating features such as gables, hipped clay-tiled roofs, tall chimneys, and projecting porches. Amendments made during the assessment ensured that the scale and overall design of the two new dwellings would preserve, rather than detract from, the existing properties along the street, thereby maintaining the character and appearance of the Eastcote Village Conservation Area.
The proposal was also considered to contribute positively to the borough's housing supply. Hillingdon Council is currently unable to demonstrate a five-year supply of deliverable housing sites, with the most recent position statement confirming a 2.5-year supply, which is below the required five-year target. This shortfall means the 'tilted balance' under paragraph 11(d) of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was engaged.
The development at Rushmoor Close will create two new homes. In total, across several applications considered by the committee, a significant number of new homes are set to be delivered. These include five new-build residential dwellings on land adjacent to 7 Wepham Close, 52 new homes at Hayes Park West (19% of which will be affordable housing, comprising 7 social rent and 3 intermediate tenure units), and a substantial 239 dwellings at Land at Austin Road (Hayes Town Centre), including 211 socially rented units and 28 private rented units. The specific tenure for the homes at Rushmoor Close and adjacent to 7 Wepham Close was not detailed.
Measures have been put in place to mitigate the impact on neighbouring amenity and existing parking. For the Rushmoor Close application, it was determined that the proposal would not result in harmful impacts on neighbouring properties regarding privacy, outlook, daylight, or overbearing effect. Highways and parking matters were deemed acceptable, with each dwelling provided with one on-plot parking space, alongside secure cycle and bin storage, and electric vehicle charging provision secured by condition. Other applications also saw conditions imposed, such as for 74 St Georges Drive to regularise existing unlawful works, and amended drawings for the development adjacent to 7 Wepham Close addressing landscaping, cycle storage, and parking.
While the Rushmoor Close development includes landscaping for the private dwellings, other approved developments will incorporate broader public amenities. For instance, Hayes Park West will include 'play space', and the Land at Austin Road development will feature a 'new community centre' and 'green spaces' resulting from a reduction in parking. The development adjacent to 7 Wepham Close will include 'private amenity space' and 'landscaping'.
More information on the committee's decisions can be found in the Public reports pack and the Decisions document from the 4th June 2026 meeting.
