Hillingdon Council has reaffirmed its objection to the Mayor of London's draft London Plan, warning that proposals for thousands of new homes on the borough's green belt are not supported by sufficient evidence or a credible infrastructure plan.
The council has submitted its formal response to the Mayor as part of the consultation process, calling for significant changes to ensure the final strategy is deliverable, evidence-based and properly addresses the challenges facing west London, including the implications of proposals for Heathrow expansion.
A key concern is the requirement for 24,030 homes to be delivered in Hillingdon during the next decade, more than double the borough's current target. The draft plan also gives Hillingdon London's largest green belt housing allocation, with 14,750 homes proposed on green belt land around Northwood, Ickenham and Ruislip by 2036. The council believes the focus should instead be on making full use of brownfield opportunities and a more restrained evidence-led approach to any development in the green belt.
While recognising the need for more homes, jobs and sustainable economic growth, the council says the Mayor has not provided sufficient evidence to justify the proposed housing figures or demonstrate that they are realistic.
It also questions how this level of growth could realistically be supported, citing a lack of detail on the infrastructure required, responsibilities, costs and timescales, particularly given the cumulative pressures facing Hillingdon from housing growth, major infrastructure, data centres, industrial and logistics development and the potential expansion of Heathrow.
Cllr Steve Tuckwell, Leader of Hillingdon Council, said: "Hillingdon is an ambitious borough, and we have never shied away from growth. We recognise the need for new homes, jobs and investment, and our Growth Plan sets out how we can achieve that in a way that benefits our communities.
"But growth must be properly planned and backed by the infrastructure needed to make it work. Housing targets imposed from City Hall without sufficient evidence, or a proper understanding of the places and communities affected, won't achieve that.
"Our green belt is not spare land waiting to be built on. It protects communities from urban sprawl, supports wildlife and provides the open spaces our residents value. Once it is gone, it is gone for good.
"We are calling on the Mayor to rethink these proposals and work with boroughs on a plan for growth that is evidence led, infrastructure-enabled and shaped by local people."
Read the council’s full response online.