Hillingdon Council Planning Committee has approved a significant redevelopment project involving the demolition of an existing Morrisons Supermarket to be replaced with a new food store and 158 residential units.

 Harbourside Investments Limited and WM Morrison Supermarkets plc spearhead the project. The site, located at 41-67 High Street, will undergo phased demolition and redevelopment to include a replacement food store (Class E) and residential flats (Class C3). The residential component will consist of 74 one-bedroom flats, 66 two-bedroom flats, and 18 three-bedroom flats. Additionally, ten per cent of the units, based on habitable rooms, will be designated as shared ownership affordable housing.

The development will provide 88 car parking spaces, divided between residents and customers, along with necessary servicing, access arrangements, and landscaping to create communal and private amenity spaces, including play areas. The reduction in the retail unit’s floorspace has been previously accepted, and there are no objections to the demolition of the existing building, which lacks architectural significance. The project is viewed as beneficial for Yiewsley and West Drayton Town Centre, as it will generate jobs and support local businesses, thereby enhancing the area’s vitality and viability.

While the proposal includes only 11.4 per cent family housing, which is less than expected, site constraints due to the town centre location make it challenging to increase the number of family units without compromising the project’s viability. The unit mix is accepted, though the lack of family housing does not favour the application. Viability testing by the Council’s third-party consultants and the Greater London Authority indicates the scheme generates a deficit but remains deliverable when considering market growth. Despite the deficit, the developer offers 10 per cent shared ownership affordable housing, which further impacts viability. This offer is deemed the maximum viable affordable housing provision.

In the event of approval, it is recommended that the affordable housing offer be secured through a legal agreement, incorporating Early and Late-Stage Viability Review mechanisms as outlined in Policy H5 of the London Plan (2021).

Overall, the project is supported due to its potential to revitalise the area and provide much-needed housing, despite some concerns regarding family housing provision.

 

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