HILLINGDON UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN - London Borough ...

DEFICIENCIES, AND MAY INCLUDE FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS TO GUARANTEE
SUCH WORK FOR AN APPROPRIATE PERIOD.
3.40 A number of sites classified as derelict or damaged possess a degree of ecological value resulting
from habitat regeneration which has occurred over time. In many cases, it will be possible to protect and
enhance this value. However, there will be circumstances where action is required to tackle underlying
problems which, if not solved, could in future lead to greater problems of, for example, methane generation
or groundwater pollution. In such instances, remedial action may cause unavoidable damage to the
ecological value of the site. Where works are required which have an impact on the ecological value of a
site, any scheme of works should minimise the impact on nature conservation areas and aim to enhance
remaining areas and create new habitats within any restoration/aftercare scheme.
OL24 IN CONSIDERING APPLICATIONS WHICH INCLUDE THE RESTORATION OF
DERELICT, DAMAGED AND DEGRADED LAND, THE LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY
WILL SEEK TO ENSURE ANY HARM TO SITES OF IMPORTANCE TO NATURE
CONSERVATION IS MINIMISED AND THAT, AS PART OF THE
RESTORATION/AFTERCARE SCHEME, REMAINING AREAS OF NATURE CONSERVATION
VALUE ARE ENHANCED AND NEW HABITATS CREATED.
3.41 It is recognised that the majority of derelict and damaged sites within the Borough are within the
Colne Valley Park or other Areas of Environmental Opportunity and that their physical condition detracts
from the aim to provide countryside recreation opportunities west of London and the "Linear Parkway"
concept that has long been a planning policy feature in London. (See Policy OL9). It is further recognised
that the majority of the derelict land within the Borough is located within the southern part of the Borough.
3.42 The Local Planning Authority has identified three areas which suffer a range of problems and
where substantial capital investment is required in order to upgrade them. In order to achieve this, a more
pro-active approach is appropriate. This will increase the likelihood of attracting external sources of
finance from Central Government or the private sector. A comprehensive approach is also required to
ensure that restoration and enhancement proposals are successful and that this is coupled with continuing
management. These areas are known as 'Comprehensive Rehabilitation Areas' and are identified on the
Proposals Map. They are:-
- Land west of Harmondsworth Village (Sites 6, 7, 12, 13 & 17 in the 1993 Derelict and
Damaged Land Survey)
- Land west of Longford Village (Sites 8, 9 and 19 in the 1993 Derelict and Damaged
Land Survey)
- Land between the Hayes By-Pass and the Grand Union Canal, adjoining Minet.
3.43 Within these areas the Council will seek to concentrate available resources, including those of the
private and voluntary sectors, into ensuring that this land is effectively restored and can play an effective
Green Belt/Colne Valley Park role. In addition, it is recognised that the area south of Packet Boat Lane,
Cowley Peachey may be a fourth area that could benefit from a comprehensive approach to reclamation
(this would include sites 1, 2 and 23 in the 1993 Derelict and Damaged Land Survey). It is the Council's
intention to examine this area in more detail when resources are available.
OL25 ANY PROPOSALS WHICH ARE LOCATED WITHIN OR IMPINGE UPON A
COMPREHENSIVE REHABILITATION AREA DEFINED ON THE PROPOSALS MAP
SHOULD INCORPORATE THE FOLLOWING:-
(i)
(ii)
THE RECLAMATION OR RESTORATION OF THE LAND TO A STANDARD
SUITABLE FOR PUBLIC ACCESS;
CESSATION OF USE OF LAND USES (OR USE OF BUILDINGS) WHICH IS
INCONSISTENT WITH THE USE OF LAND IN GREEN BELT;
London Borough of Hillingdon Unitary Development Plan