COUNCIL officers have recommended the approval of plans to demolish The Swan pub and build six flats in its place.
A report, which will go before councillors at a meeting on Thursday, says there are no grounds to throw out the application.
Developer Clearview Homes had applied previously to knock down the Breakspear Road North pub, which is in the village’s conservation area.
But the proposals were rejected, with Hillingdon Council citing concerns about the loss of the building itself, problems with an unsightly bin store and the fact the flats would overlook neighbouring properties.
Last month, the Planning Inspectorate upheld this decision following an appeal by Clearview, although its inspector did not agree with the conservation element of the refusal.
The latest proposals are for a smaller development, positioned slightly differently on the site.
The changes mean the application is good enough to win approval, the council officers’ report says.
The village’s conservation panel has also said the plans should be given the go ahead, although it believed the demolition of the pub was ‘regrettable’.
Paul Stone, chairman of the Harefield Tenants’ and Residents’ Association, as well as a member of the panel, had previously told the Gazette he thought the plans would be approved because of the changes.
A number of concerns were received when the council consulted on the new plans, and these will be discussed at the north planning committee meeting at 7pm in Hillingdon Civic Centre.
? Are you happy with the compromise or still have concerns? Let us know at www.uxbridgegazette.co.uk/tellus.
