Minutes

Monday 8th September 2025

Harefield Library, Park Lane, Harefield

Current committee members

Chairman Gerard Barry (Planning & HMO’s)

Secretary Paul Daniels (Infrastructure)

Treasurer Helen Conchar (Finance)

Other Members

Derek Kent Planning & HMO’s)

Howard Dini

Andy Cripps

Tina Warne (Green spaces & Environment)

Ian Costard (Police & Crime)

Tracey Blake (Health & PPG)

Apologies

Christine & Barry Williams, Jane Newman & Gillian Kent

Attendance

22 members signed in

Welcome

Minutes of the last meeting

Monday 14th July 2025

All had received the minutes and they were agreed as a true copy proposed by Howard & seconded by Derek and approved. 

Matters arising from the minutes

GB raised the proposal of meeting on a quarterly basis at the library and then doing informal “drop in” sessions at another venue such as the social club where people can pop in and discuss matters and then stay or leave.

The current meeting format will remain for October to December and the committee wil discuss this in more detail on the way forward but any feedback from the residents is always welcome

 

Actions arising from the last meeting

None

Planning/HMO’s

7 applications

1 refusal

6977/APP/2025/1904

HARE/D VILLAGES 2022

ST PAULS RC CHURCH MERLE AVENUE HAREFIELD

Details pursuant to the discharge of Conditions 3 e replacement hanging tile) of

planning permission ref. 6977/APP/2024/792, dated 25-06-24 (Erection of a single

storey extension on south elevation and new facade to Church)

44479/APP/2025/1782

HARE/D VILLAGES 2022

56 HIGH STREET HAREFIELD

External works to property including replacement of windows, rainwater goods,

fascia and soffit boards, and redecoration of external surfaces.

19637/APP/2025/191

ICK/HAM & S HF/D 22

LAND AT ST LEONARDS FARM NEWYEARS GREEN LANE HAREFIELD

Formation of hard surfaced area for the parking of up to 25 Heavy Goods Vehicles

(HGVs) (Retrospective)

 Hi Paul,

Planning applications for meeting

9173/TRE/2025/190

HARE/D VILLAGES 2022

COLUMBA JACKS LANE HAREFIELD MIDDLESEX

TPO 704 T4 1x Common Alder reduce lateral growth by up to 1m, thin crown by

removing 15%.

2078/APP/2025/2036

HARE/D VILLAGES 2022

CRIPPS FIELD – LAND ADJACENT TO SPRINGWELL LANE HAREFIELD

Proposed erection of up to 6 no. dwellinghouses (Permission in Principle)

9443/APP/2025/2155

HARE/D VILLAGES 2022

THE OLD STABLES 77 PARK LANE HAREFIELD

Erection of a part single, part two storey extension to the side and rear, Erection of

outbuilding, following the demolition of existing conservatory

46627/APP/2025/1606

ICK/HAM & S HF/D 22

34 SEDLEY GROVE HAREFIELD

Erection of a conservatory to the rear (Retrospective Application).

REFUSAL OF PLANNING PERMISSION

76643/APP/2025/436

Conversion of office car park to hand car wash on Moorhall Road Uxbridge.

By virtue of the scale, siting and utilitarian appearance of the proposed canopy and storage

container, the development would appear as an incongruous and ad-hoc feature within the

Widewater Business Centre. The introduction of these structures, together with the intensified

commercial activity associated with the car wash, would undermine the character of the business

park and be visually harmful. In addition, the development would detract from the rural setting and

significance of the Widewater Lock Conservation Area.

Susan , a resident of Springwell Lane/Cripps Field discussed the strain that the proposed development will have a detrimental effect on the current residents and the response form the council was quite dismissive to those residents believing that the development will have minimal impact on the residents. There were 5 points raised by the residents:

  • Inappropriate development on the greenbelt land, farmland should remain as it is
  • Highway safety & Inadequate access, no safe passing places
  • Harm to the environment & increased flood risk
  • Unsustainable location
  • Impact on Rural character

On the subject of HMO’s Henry raised the issue of the “individuals” staying in the flats above the shops/barber shop and their behaviour, which has given real cause for concern. It was decided that the HTRA would look into the matter in more detail and report back.

A concern was also raised about the fact that these flats overlook the school grounds and the safety of the children in the school grounds and on our streets must be a priority.

Gerard raised the matter by highlighting that there was a drive to persuade the council to create an Article 4 Directive preferably across the whole borough whereby any HMO would require a full planning application. A petition has been created and we understand that the Councillors have discussed the HMO issue in one of the council meetings.

Derek suggested an action that the HTRA should write to the head of the Harefield Primary school to mention that its been raised in the last HTRA meeting that this is a concern.

Derek is going to draft a letter to the school Headmaster for GB to review, amend if needed and then send on behalf of the HTRA

A letter has been sent to the safer neighbourhoods team for the ward in order to establish the facts.

 

 

Health

David Simmonds MP has organised a meeting on Friday 12th September with the local RA’s where Gerard & Paul will be attending and various members of the Hillingdon Hospital Trust to discuss the planned closure, this is also being debated in parliament on Wednesday.

New Information and Advice Service- Hillingdon Advice Partnership

Previously Hillingdon residents in need of information and advice have turned to the Citizens Advice Bureau (Citizens Advice Hillingdon) but due to the latest contract changes at the council, residents should now be going to the Hillingdon Advice Partnership. Residents can access support for a range of assistance including managing finances, benefits advice, debt advice and health and wellbeing opportunities. To access support residents should visit Hillingdon Advice Partnership | Confidential Advice, Information & Support or call 020 8044 5676 (9am – 5pm Mon to Fri, excluding bank holidays).

Macmillian Coffee Morning

Harefield Community Centre are hosting a coffee morning to come together and build community awareness on 25th September, at 11am – 1pm. if you can make it. 

Address: Harefield Community Centre, Priory Avenue, Harefield, UB9 6AP

Mount Vernon Hospital

Help us ensure Mount Vernon Hospital’s Urgent Care Nurse Practitioner Service is kept open and accessible for everyone, helping to ease pressure on nearby hospitals and A&E services. 

We’re clear: we want it to remain open and accessible for the thousands of local people who use it every year.

Local Conservative MP, David Simmonds, has released a statement on the Urgent Care Nurse Practitioner Service at Mount Vernon Hospital, which you can read here. 

This petition will help show the strength of our collective support in favour of accessing Mount Vernon’s Urgent Care Nurse Practitioner Service, and if necessary the petition will be presented by Conservative MP David Simmonds in Parliament to Wes Streeting and the Labour Government, who are responsible for our hospitals.

https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19vH5GnRGS/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Getting Ready for Winter

This information is applicable particularly for people who are more vulnerable. I know, it’s still summer but all it takes is for a cold snap next month for people to start spreading around the flu virus’ and it’s best to get vulnerable residents thinking ahead so they are prepared.

  1. Flu Vaccinations. If anyone meets the following criteria and is worried about being seriously ill if they get the flu, please encourage them to get a free flu vaccination for their GP surgery or local pharmacy.
  • 65+ (including those who will be 65 by 31st March 26)
  • Have certain long-term health conditions (respiratory conditions, heart conditions, kidney disease, liver disease, neurological conditions, diabetes, weakened immune system, having a learning difficulty or being overweight). For more info visit Winter vaccinations and winter health – NHS
  • Are pregnant
  • Live in a care home
  • Are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive carer’s allowance
  • Live with someone who has a weakened immune system
  1. Covid Vaccinations. If anyone would like a Covid Vaccination on the NHS they can get one if the following conditions are met.
  1. Heat your home to a temperature that’s comfortable for you. If you can, this should be at least 18°C in the rooms that you regularly use, such as your living room and bedroom.

Stoptober 2025

Smoking remains the single biggest cause of preventable illness and death in England.
Smokers in England are being urged to stub out the habit as part of the annual Stoptober public health campaign launching next month, as latest statistics show smoking costs the NHS £2.4 billion a year while causing at least 15 types of cancers. Stoptober – now in its 11th year – aims to empower people to give up smoking during October.

Research shows that self-confidence is a major factor in successful attempts at quitting confidence and get the support they need from family and friends, as well as professional help smoking. This years campaign will encourage people to take simple steps to build their confidence and get the support they need from family & friends as well as professional help.

Good Charitable Causes

ORCHYD is a registered charity providing day trips and residential holidays for children with disabilities. Apart from unforgettable memories, we provide respite and grants for families.

 

 

Police/Roads

Ian reported from the last police meeting at Harefield Cricket Club last week that it was a very productive meeting & the police have been very receptive to the concerns of the people of the village

2 unconfirmed fatalities from within the HMO flats above the barber shop, the police wouldn’t expand on how they died or who/what caused them

5 burglaries

0 drugs possession with intent to supply

1 street robbery

3 sexual offences

12 criminal damage/arson

23 violence against person

1 theft from motor vehicle

It has also been reported that young girls on the playground are being “chatted up” by men much older than them and we need to be more vigilant on the safety of the more vulnerable residents of the village. We do not know if these men are from the HMO’s but its clear that crime is rising in the village and its no coincidence that this has happened not long after these HMO’s started being used.

 

Events

Harefield Tidy first Saturday of every month’s from 9am for an hour or so, please come along and help. All equipment is provided.

Hillingdon Cleander festival Uxbridge Town centre, 20th September 11am to 3pm

Church Gardens open Sunday afternoons

Harefield History Society restarts 22nd September, held on the 4th Monday of each month at Harefield Library 7;30pm.£4 for one meeting but no more than £10 for the year. History about Northolt Airport

RBL next AGM end October, date TBC

Infrastructure

(see enclosed hyperlink to the full HS2 document) download here

  • Updated New Planned Works Breakspear Road South Road Closure – Fri 03/10 at 8pm until Sun 05/10 at 8pm (Contingency Fri 17/10 at 8pm until Sun 19/10 at 8pm)
  • Works Postponed Works at the entrance to Old Dairy Lane Retail Park off Victoria Road South Ruislip – (due to take place Mon 27/01/25 to Fri 28/02/25)

Community Engagement:

  • New HS2/SCS Community Engagement Event at Ruislip Rugby Club – Tue 16/09 between 4pm & 7.30pm
  • HS2 Community & Business Funding Update – July 2025
  • Community Investment Activity Update – July 2025
  • Skills Employment and Education Update – July 2025
  • HS2 in Hillingdon Newsletter – July 2025
  • Information Hub at West Ruislip Portal – Opening Hours (in Community Engagement section)

 

Environment

  Colne Valley Country Park

At the moment the Colne Valley CP has no protection from development, although it is in the Green Belt and is called a Country Park. Unfortunately the Colne Valley CP is not designate as a National Park or National Landscape.  A large proportion of Harefield sits within the Colne Valley CP, and it would be to our advantage if the Park had a proper designation.

Stuart Pomeroy the Colne Valley Park managing agent is trying to get a national designation and protection for the park and has had meetings with the government on this subject.

If Stuart Pomeroy is successful in persuading the government to grant protection for the Country Park that will ensure that it will be more difficult for developers to eat away our beautiful countryside.

The Colne Valley CP is a beautiful area which is gradually being nibbled away and eventually there will be no adequate protection for the wildlife or space for people to enjoy nature. Ruislip Woods is a National Nature Reserve, however, the Colne Valley Country Park has a wider range of environments and biodiversity but unlike Ruislip Woods it is not protected.  Apparently 20% of Hillingdon is within the Country Park, and most of Harefield lies within the Colne Valley Country Park.

Please write to our MPs David Simmonds (North Harefield) and Danny Beales (South Harefield) and also Councillors Jane Palmer (N) and Martin Goddard (S) asking them to support the Stuart Pomeroy’s application to give the Colne Valley Country Park a national status.

Below are maps of the Colne Valley Country Park

 

 

Colne Valley Regional Park Litter Picking

“The Colne Valley Park has recently been awarded a grant from Heathrow Community Trust to run a series of litter-pick volunteer sessions. The Colne Valley Team is on a mission to improve the landscape quality in the Colne Valley, and litter is one of the major challenges we face. If you would like to join us in our mission and take part in future sessions, please email:bergey.sigurdardottir@groundwork.org.uk. The more people who join us, the greater the impact we can make.

Litter picks in Harefield:

We are looking into organizing a session at Denham Quarry in Harefield; however, if someone knows of any other locations that are badly affected by litter, we would like to hear about them.

More details about the project can be found here:https://www.colnevalleypark.org.uk/colne-valley-park-litter-blitz-project/ “

Volunteers have been litter picking along the canal recently.  Picture below.

 

Land off Breakspear Road North between Rose Farm and Willow Tree Farm

The committee were concerned about the amount of clearance work and banking up of earth around the site perimeter plus the building of what looked to us like a significant roadway onto the land.   We have been told that the land was bought for grazing horses but the purchase price of the land together with the amount of work going on at the site does not seem very realistic.  Therefore, I contacted the Planning Enforcement Officer.  This land is in the Colne Valley Country Park, and in the Green Belt.

Enforcement Officer has done a site visit and his reply is, with regard the roadway that it is permitted if the land is used for agriculture.  He also stated that the perimeter earth be put back onto the land. 

He has informed me that he is keeping an eye on the site and if he has sufficient evidence that a change of use or operational development starts he will be taking “appropriate” action.  Please keep an eye on the site and let a member of the committee know if you witness any developments.

 

 

AOB

  • Moorhall Road at Marina, there are double yellow lines aside of a short stretch over the bridge which is considered a danger because if cars park on that short stretch it creates a narrow path for vehicles to pass by on, it has been suggested that the double yellow lines continue throughout that whole section.
  • Peter Smith commented the need for a Speed camera on Park Lane by the school as you enter the village, it’s a 20mph road and cars are driving extremely fast and with the school being there and cars parked both sides its dangerous.
  • Comment raised again about the possibility of widening the stretch of road outside the doctors surgery, the only way to do this is to take some of the path away or push back onto the grass area so that the pathway remains intact whilst allowing 2 way vehicle traffic to flow on Rickmansworth Road outside the GP surgery
  • Graham mentioned re the Cripps Farm development & asked do we as an association write to LBH write to say that we are against any development due to be undertaken at this location.

Action: group voted unanimously to write to LBH re our protest

 

Action Points

Write to London Borough of Hillingdon re Cripps Farm development

Next Meeting

Meeting closed 8:15pm

Next Meeting Monday 13th October 2025 7:00pm Harefield Library