Yiewsley development plans aim to deliver affordable housing boost
Friday 2 June 2023: Hillingdon Council is proposing to appropriate land at the former Yiewsley Library and Yiewsley Pool site for planning purposes, so it can be used to build vital new homes.
The new proposals for the 5,066 square metre site, include 100 per cent affordable housing (around 95 new homes) as well as a new library and additional community space. The new library will be considerably larger than the current building, and will provide modern facilities for local residents, including retractable bookshelves which would allow the floor space to be multi-functional.
The council has no intention of developing the amenity space of Yiewsley Recreation Ground, land which the council designated Metropolitan Open Space in January 2020, as part of its Local Plan Part 2, to ensure its continued protection. The proposed development site is considered brownfield and consists largely of existing hardstanding.
The council has also pledged to make improvements to the adjacent green spaces as part of the development. This would include planting new trees, refurbishing footpaths, creating a landscaped garden in the site of the old bowling green, as well as a new children's play area within Yiewsley Recreation Ground.
The proposed development would complement the council's local leisure offer with the Platinum Jubilee Leisure Centre, currently under construction in nearby West Drayton.
Leader of Hillingdon Council, Cllr Ian Edwards, said: "We're committed to creating strong communities with access to good quality, affordable housing, but that is not at the expense of our valued green spaces.
"Our plans to develop this vacant brownfield site have been revised following feedback from residents and would allow us to provide much-needed affordable homes for local people, in a borough where suitable sites for housebuilding are scarce."
Residents can view and comment on the proposals before the deadline on Tuesday 27 June. The council will consider all representations before making a decision on appropriating the land.
A plan showing the proposed site to be appropriated is available for inspection during normal office hours at Yiewsley Library, High Street, Yiewsley, UB7 7BE and online at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/consultation