A former West London RAF site has been given the green light to be converted into flats.
The long-awaited final phase of the regeneration project in Uxbridge was unanimously approved by Hillingdon Council's Planning Committee on Wednesday (May 7).
Planning permission was first agreed for the redevelopment of the land 13 years ago, in 2012. The plans, submitted by the developer, Catalyst, will see new flats built in St Andrew's Park, Hillingdon Road in Uxbridge.
Uxbridge Ward Councillor Keith Burrows displayed his support for the housing scheme at the committee meeting. He said: "Like a lot of people that live in Hillingdon, we would welcome the completion of the last pocket on the site, but probably not as much as those who live on the site currently to be honest."
The 356 flats, of which 125 will be 'affordable' will be split across three blocks with a maximum height of 10 storeys. The scheme will offer 171 one-bedroom, 149 two-bedroom, and 36 three-bedroom flats.
There will also be a convenience store located within one of the new buildings, a new gym, and a café located in the former cinema building. Additionally, locals will have access to new retail floor space and restaurants on the non-residential floorspace.
The listed former cinema on the St Andrew's Park site will be renovated and converted into a gym and café. The building, erected in 1919, is considered to be at serious threat of further rapid deterioration.
The proposed layout for the gym and café has been developed to utilise the existing layout of the former cinema building as closely as possible, requiring minimal rearrangement and alteration. On the former cinema, Cllr Burrows added: "It will be good to see the cinema actually being protected* before the elements do destroy it."
At the 'heart of the development' is Squadron Square, a new public square that incorporates St Andrew's Gate, which will be refurbished to form the main pedestrian entrance. The square will connect into wider key movement routes within St Andrew's Park to facilitate access between Park Road and Dowding Park.
A total of 10 objections have been raised by local residents. These include concerns about the potential squeeze on local services, the scale of the design, and the potential for increased local traffic pressures.
Planning officers said the council will ensure that the community and social infrastructure is provided in the borough to cater to the needs of the existing community and future populations. It is not believed that the development will contribute to traffic pressure significantly.
Due to the scale of the development, the plans will now go before the Greater London Authority for final approval. Work is expected to begin within three years.
© The Standard Ltd