HAILING it the best Christmas present Yiewsley could have received, a developer says he is ‘over the moon’ at getting approval for new canalside homes.

Tony Laws, of Clearview Homes, welcomed the decision to pass plans for 50 flats in three buildings on the former CMS Steel Fabricators site off Horton Parade, with landscaping and car parking.

The company must spend around £300,000 on community investment, including school places, library facilities and towpath improvement, under ‘planning gain’ provisions– see box right.

And the development depends on the Grand Union Canal being brought into use for removing demolition waste and to bring in construction materials, if practical and economically feasible.

The plan was approved by Hillingdon Council’s major applications committee and is one of three on canalside packets of land all earmarked for redevelopment, having stood idle for some time.

Redevelopment of former UB7 nightclub site on the corner of High Street and St Stephen’s Road is under way, also for housing, and across the canal another area of former warehousing awaits development.

The former Padcroft works in Tavistock Road was given permission for 208 flats in September.

Mr Laws said: “We are absolutely delighted and excited by the approval and with the enthusiasm with which it was received.

“It’s the best present Clearview and Yiewsley could have received.

“It’s always our policy to use redundant land in urban areas and put it to a better use by meeting the need for new homes. Such practical use takes the pressure off the local green belt areas.

“The committee were full of praise for what they saw as an efficient and effective use of a redundant, brownfield site that would form the basis of the area’s future regeneration.”

The committee praised Clearview’s partners, Asssael Architects, and planning consultant Richard Henley for the high standard of engagement between all parties and the public during the pre-application process.

Mr Laws said he hoped the development would be ‘something a bit special’ and would attract a lot of interest because of its location beside the canal.

“It’s a good use of some old redundant buildings, and a good ‘kick off’ for that patch,” he said.