The Mayor of London has approved plans for a 514-home scheme on the former Master Brewer site in Hillingdon, west London, after the borough turned down the scheme on design grounds.
The 2.5 hectare development, headed by Inland Homes, comprises a series of blocks of up to 11 storeys in height on the site of a former hotel complex.
Sadiq Khan approved the development – designed by architect JTP and Collado Collins – at the end of last week, despite the concerns of Hillingdon Council.
However, housing secretary Robert Jenrick has since issued a ‘holding direction’ over the scheme, meaning that the project will now go to him for final determination.
Hillingdon Council rejection
Hillingdon Council initially rejected the scheme earlier this year in February, citing eight reasons for refusal.
Hillingdon said the scheme represented over-development on the site that would impact on neighbouring Green Belt land, and expressed concerns over the amenity for residents in terms of noise, air quality, parking, daylight, and external space.
However, officers at the Greater London Authority decided that the scheme was of a “high quality” design that optimised the potential of the site, had been subject to significant scrutiny, and made “no unacceptable visual impact on the Green Belt”.
The scheme also met Khan’s target for 35% affordable housing – with 182 of the total 514 homes proposed being allocated as such – and would provide a further £1.4m contribution toward public transport.
Inland Homes submitted plans for the scheme in September 2019, following consultation with local residents and work with the London Wildlife Trust on plans for a bio-diverse garden area.
Main image: Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan
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