HILLINGDON UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN - London Borough ...

The Government aims to encourage economic development that is compatible with its environmental
objectives, leading to a more effective use of land. Employment and other significant trip generating
activities should be concentrated in urban and suburban centres mainly around energy efficient modes of
transport, in accordance with PPG13. (paras 3.4 and 3.5). Guidance also identifies that the revival of
London's economy can be encouraged through redevelopment and regeneration and also areas of
opportunity, aimed primarily at supporting the local labour force, local suppliers and supporting
enterprises, including small business (para 3.11).
2.51 The importance of an integrated approach to land use and transport, regeneration of parts of
West London and the importance of manufacturing to the London economy are endorsed by the
Londonwide initiative 'London Pride'. The organisation's Prospectus issued in 1994 specifically identified
economic issues in London and established priorities for action. The approach taken by the London Pride
initiative is based on the principles of balance, sustainable development and partnership and Hillingdon has
endorsed three of the London Pride Prospectus' priorities for action - business growth to increase local
income and jobs, raising skill levels and improving transport infrastructure as fundamental to strengthening
the Borough’s economy. London Pride also identified the A40/A4 corridor in West London as a principal
growth area for London, which if strategically developed will assist in regenerating the areas of deprivation
in and around them and stimulate the growth of London's indigenous industries. In support of London
Pride's manufacturing sector strategy the Borough is in a good position to attract major manufacturing
operations to London, encourage research and development activity, support existing indigenous small and
medium sized businesses, identifying, safeguarding and reclaiming well-located position through its
educational and medical research establishments (Brunel University and Harefield Hospital).
2.52 Hillingdon has recognised the need to work in partnership to achieve its objectives in the field of
sustainable economic growth. The Single Regeneration Budget bid for the Hayes/West Drayton Corridor
was submitted by a partnership of local businesses, the local Training and Enterprise Council and the local
authority and will be overseen by a Group representing these interests. This will ensure that the various
programmes closely reflect the needs of the local economy. The Council's bid for resources from
KONVER has been drawn up in consultation with local businesses, establishing the importance attached to
working in partnership.
2.53 London Pride's aims to regenerate the manufacturing sector in a contemporary role are supported
by the Council in its Economic Development Strategy (April 1995) and more recently in the West London
Leadership's Economic Strategy (November/December 1995). The West London Strategic Framework
recognises the importance of the area as a "world city gateway", with Heathrow playing a role of major
national and international importance. Given the increasing globalisation of the economy, West London
needs to recognise its unique locational advantage, which has obvious implications for local services and
facilities. The area already contains a number of prestigious company headquarters, and will continue to be
a sought after location. The Strategic Framework recognises the need to ensure that the "headquarters
function" does not become an enclave, divorced from other West London activities, offering minimal
opportunities or benefits for West London residents and businesses.
2.54 The Local Planning Authority's policies for employment-generating development indicate
locations and set out locational criteria for employment related development in order to meet the following
objectives:
-to maintain diversity and stability in the local economy;
-to encourage economic and urban regeneration in the Borough;
-to steer the majority of new employment-generating development to specific locations,
particularly the Hayes/West Drayton Corridor, town centres, industrial and business areas;
-to discourage unsustainable growth likely to lead to the re-emergence of problems of worsening
traffic congestion, skills shortages and mismatches, deterioration of the environment and general
quality of life;
London Borough of Hillingdon Unitary Development Plan