Watkin Jones BTR scheme recommended for refusal

Hillingdon planners have recommended Watkin Jones’ application for 267 build-to-rent homes in Uxbridge, west London, be referred to the GLA or be refused by the council. Planning officers said the development would likely interfere with radar and safety operations at Northolt Airport. Further concerns about lack of family home provision and over-development were also raised. The application, submitted in May 2018, seeks consent for 267 homes across three blocks of up to 12 storeys. It comprises mostly one- and two-bedroom homes, with 23% affordable provision by habitable room. Council documents for the planning committee on 20 February said: “The Ministry of Defence has raised an objection to the application based on the scheme’s potential to impact on the safe functioning of radar equipment. “The proposal by virtue of its size, height, siting and design would be likely to interfere with the radar and the safe operations at Northolt Airport.” Hillingdon planning officers have recommended that the council vote to refer the application back to the GLA. If the mayor does not assume responsibility as the local planning authority, Hillingdon said delegated powers should be given to the head of planning, transportation and regeneration to refuse the scheme. On 4 February, the GLA wrote to Hillingdon Council and said the scheme did not comply with the London Plan and that the mayor would review the council’s decision. Watkin Jones agreed to purchase the 2.3-acre site on Harefield Road subject to planning. The 227-year-old firm is best known for its purpose-built student accommodation business, managing more than 16,000 student beds across 53 schemes. Since 1999, Watkin Jones has delivered more than 34,500 student beds across 107 sites. More recently it has expanded into BTR, with 490 units across five schemes in Leeds, Bristol, Manchester and Sheffield. To send feedback, e-mail emma.rosser@egi.co.uk or tweet @EmmaARosser or @estatesgazette