Tommy Flynns Public House, situated on Sutton Court Road in Hillingdon, was closed 18 months ago following an onslaught of anti-social behaviour. Since the pubs closure the site has sat vacant, but Hillingdon Council has recently granted permission for the building to be demolished.

A high quality residential scheme has been proposed for the site and is due to include 30 flats consisting of 12 one bedroom apartments, 16 two bedroom apartments, and 3 three bedroom apartments.

The approval of such a scheme would be beneficial to the area as it would contribute positively to the significant London housing shortfall by means of providing much-needed smaller units for first time buyers and young families, encouraging them to get on the property ladder.

Furthermore, it would see an increase in footfall for local traders who are situated a few metres from the site.

According to employees at Barnet Fair Hair Salon, the proposed development would be welcome as it would result in an increase in customers and business. Dog groomers Happy Hounds concurs, stating that the development can only add to the community.

This seems to be the general sentiment amongst shop owners on the parade with many of them being supportive of the residential development as they would rather see an increase in customers as opposed to the potential of a well-known national supermarket retailer moving onto the site.

During the course of the application process, the developers and planning team have been conscious that they meet the requirements of local residents and business owners.

This was done by means of a pre-application exhibition where residents and local ward councillors were invited to participate. Two schemes were discussed with planning officers at Hillingdon - one was fully residential while the other included ground floor retail facilities with residential located above. Ultimately, council was supportive of the fully residential scheme.

The initial scheme has been significantly amended to address comments and concerns raised by both neighbours and planning officers. The latest proposal which is council policy compliant will see the development focus on sustainable building practices, and will provide good levels of on-site parking as well as private and communal amenity space for residents. Further to this, home owners will benefit from easy access to local amenities, public transport, and shopping facilities.

The scheme will go to Hillingdon Planning Committee on 13 May where it is likely that it will be recommended for refusal. This unwanted result will force the developer to consider alternate options which would potentially include the conversion of the existing building to include retail facilities at ground floor level with residential accommodation above.

Should you wish to support the fully residential scheme please direct your letters to the below address using reference number: 8396/APP/2014/4118

London Borough of Hillingdon
Planning Department
Residents Services
3N, Civic Centre
High Street
Uxbridge
Middlesex
UB8 1UW

For further information, please contact Richard Henley or Paul Jenkins on 020 8954 7733 or e-mail richard@prestonbennett.co.uk or paul@prestonbennett.co.uk