Hillingdon
Planning & Building Contacts

Heathrow Airport is the dominant planning consideration in the south of the borough - noise contour zones (57dB LAeq and above) restrict residential development, and Public Safety Zones limit all development near the ends of runways. Green Belt covers the northern rural parishes, including parts of Colne Valley Regional Park. The Grand Union Canal has heritage and ecological designations. Ruislip Woods (National Nature Reserve) is a significant ecological asset. Uxbridge town centre is the main commercial centre.

Building regulations approval is required for most structural work, extensions, loft conversions, new windows and heating system changes. You may use either the council's own building control service or a private Approved Inspector. For listed buildings, building control must be coordinated with Listed Building Consent requirements.

The Grand Union Canal's historic infrastructure - locks, canal houses, bridges and industrial archaeology at Bulls Bridge - is a significant linear heritage asset through the borough. Ruislip has a medieval village core with St Martin's Church (Grade II*) and the notable Manor Farm complex. Around 30 conservation areas protect village centres and suburban streets. The borough has a moderate number of listed buildings concentrated in historic villages and canal settlements. Listed Building Consent is required in addition to planning permission for any works to a listed building that would affect its special architectural or historic interest, including internal works.

Flood risk in Hillingdon is associated with the River Colne and its tributaries (Pinn, Yeading, Crane) and the Grand Union Canal. Properties in West Drayton, Yiewsley and Uxbridge near the Colne should be checked carefully. The Colne Valley is subject to complex flood risk mapping. Surface water flooding is a risk across the suburban areas. A Flood Risk Assessment is required for development in flood risk zones.