NEIGHBOURS and developers have locked horns again after new plans were lodged to build homes on back garden land.
In August 2012, Hillingdon Council refused an application by Howarth Homes to build four detached properties in the garden of 43, The Drive, Northwood, partly because of the number of trees that would need to be felled, some of which have preservation orders on them.
But in March this year, about 40 trees were cut down on the site. It is unknown if any were protected.
Neighbour Wendy Wright, whose house in Knoll Crescent overlooks the garden, said: “Nothing has really changed since the council said ‘no’ last time, apart from the fact they have removed all these trees.”
She said she is worried the plans could trigger changes which could alter the feel of the area forever.
“Everyone we’ve spoken to is really upset. Myself and my neighbour were in tears watching those beautiful old pine trees being hacked down,” she said.
“People choose to live here because it’s so leafy but it’s close to London – that’s the character of Northwood.
“But this makes people feel like they’re under siege.”
Mrs Wright and her husband, Steve, collected more than 50 signatures for a petition against the original plans and are in the process of compiling another one.
Northwood councillor Scott Seaman-Digby (Con) is backing their fight.
He said: “I am fully supporting the neighbours and residents who are so rightly against this development proposal.
“It flies in the face of the community and is the worst kind of speculative development. I hope that the planning committee will refuse it using all of their powers.”
At the time the Gazette went to press, Howarth Homes had not responded to our request for a comment.
Responses to the plans must be made to the council by July 2, and a decision is due by August 2.
? Do such developments threaten the character of Northwood? Your views are welcome at www.uxbridgegazette.co.uk/tellus
