Latest update on former RAF site development

WORK on the development of the former RAF Eastcote site is quickly moving on.

Members of Eastcote Residents' Association (ERA) meet up with the site manager every month to get a regular update on the work.

Planning permission to build 385 homes on the site, now called Pembroke Park, in Eastcote Road, was granted in March last year.

The site is divided into a northern and a southern section by a fenced public footpath.

The developers George Wimpey, part of Taylor Wimpey, want to add another 15 homes to the site. These are mainly in the northern section.

A public exhibition was held to put forward these new proposals on Monday (12).

Chris Groom, chairman of ERA, said: "The proposals were not well defined or demonstrated but included further flats, in existing proposed blocks, at third floor level overlooking Eastcote Road and Pretty Corner with raised roofs and dormers.

"Generally it would appear that the proposals were not well received and would raise the density of properties above the agreed maximum of 50 units per hectare.

"We understand that formal proposals will be submitted to Hillingdon Council within two to three weeks.

"We hope that the current new proposals are amended to reflect the views of local residents expressed at the public exhibition."

The main roads within the northern site, together with the main underground services, are nearing completion and on Tuesday (20) the entrance road to Highgrove House is due to be reopened and the current road division through the sales office area removed.

The developer is still waiting for the go ahead to start road works in Eastcote Road to provide an amended junction, traffic island, pedestrian crossing and revised road markings.

Work continues in the southern section with many of the homes nearing completion.

Work on the biomass plant, which supplies heating/hot water to all the assisted housing in the southern section, is due to start on Tuesday (20) and should be completed by Christmas.

Some of the homes in the southern section should be occupied before Christmas.