A shabby canal-side industrial yard in Yiewsley is being lined up for housing.
Old warehouses on the single-acre site in Horton Road, across the Grand Union Canal from West Drayton rail station, could be demolished to make way for three housing blocks, a total of 50 flats (see image below).
The developers, Clearview Homes Ltd, say it will form part of a masterplan to regenerate the site, which has long been used for warehousing but is not part of a designated Industrial or Business Area (IBA), as well as the surrounding area including the town centre.
Carl Nielsen, of the Yiewsley and West Drayton Town Action Group (YWDTAG), said the project has potential.
“Our members agreed that this one looks rather nice, but we’ll need to take a closer look.
“We would like to see good green space there, because that comes at a premium now.”
He added: “This is another case where an industrial area that was once very useful in its heyday is being converted for residential use. It is an unfortunate trend, but we don’t make the things that we used to.
“We have got to accept that there is a need for more accommodation.”
Councillor Dominic Gilham (Yiewsley, Conservative) is also optimistic about how it would benefit the wider area.
“There is massive change going on in Yiewsley and West Drayton. This would bring the canal and the towpath back into use, for residents and visitors.
“It would create a lovely view, rather than looking at just a pile or bricks.
“If it goes ahead, the aim will be to get local people living in the homes.”
The proposals went on show at a public exhibition at St Matthew’s Church in May, but only 20 people turned up. About 200 flyers have been distributed to nearby households and businesses.
Robbie Greenaway, of Clearview Homes, said: “We see this as the first step in the wider regeneration of the Horton Road area.
“The industrial part is not being used to the full at all. At the moment, the water is behind the buildings. We would open it up for pedestrian access, and this has led the design in many ways.
“We will continue to engage with local people.”
A decision on the proposal will be made by the council in mid-November.
The area is attracting investment from homebuilders because of Crossrail, with several projects within a half kilometre radius already in the pipeline.
The consultation has launched, and the public can give feedback on the plans by October 3.
To view the plans and leave comments, visit hillingdon.gov.uk/planning, click on ‘planning search’, and enter reference 3507/APP/2013/2327.
