UPDATED 29.04.21

The Cowley Business Park (CBP) is a narrow stretch of land between the Frays River and the Grand Union Canal in Uxbridge (Greater London). It houses office buildings and a protected wild woodland on the Frays riverbank. There is an established rich habitat including herons, egrets and protected species (i.e. kingfishers, bats), flourishing thanks to lack of human presence.

This nature sanctuary, within the urban landscape, is tiny but vital. It links with other green areas, providing an uninterrupted corridor, which allows many species to survive in our built-up borough. However, changes in planning regulations mean that commercial buildings can be granted approval to be converted into residential properties, without considering the environmental impact, such is the case with the CBP.

30 years ago, after much opposition, neighbours compromised to agree on the development of the beautiful treed meadow, subject to being restricted to office space, limiting human presence, and to establishing a wild native woodland to preserve nature.

Through the years this green space witnessed protected trees felled; tree works disturbing nesting chicks and ducklings; land drainage resulting in woodland flooding, etc. In addition, only the eastern bank neighbours have complied with riparian duties (clear river blockages, rubbish collection, etc.).

Currently Allport House is being converted into flats; Otter and Waterside House were granted planning permission back in 2020. There are new applications to increase their dwellings to 36 and 51, respectively. The 3 could bring 300 inhabitants, human traffic to the undisturbed woodlands, noise and light pollution (particularly detrimental for bats, a protected UK species), having irreversible consequences for this fragile habitat. It also opens the door to the remaining buildings conversion, potentially bringing 1,000 inhabitants to the CBP.

While we all understand the Council has a difficult job to provide homes, this cannot be done at any cost. Equally, all authorities have the duty to preserve nature for present and future generations. Once this is gone, we will not get it back. There is also a moral duty to comply with the pledges made 30 years ago, as without those, the CBP would not exist.

We are asking Hillingdon Council to stop the change of use of Otter and Waterside House from offices (Use Class B1) to residential use, in order to preserve this small but rich habitat and to avoid the fragmentation of the wider green corridor.

If you are sympathetic with this cause, we ask you to sign this online petition. Please take the time to email Planning planning@hillingdon.gov.uk asap or submit your concerns in the Hillingdon Planning Portal too, including critical feedback on the areas assessed by the council: impact of the development on transport, highways, parking, site contamination, flood risks, noise of commercial properties on the new development and adequate provision of light to all the habitable rooms in the development.

Ref. 63329/APP/2021/1326 (Otter House) https://planning.hillingdon.gov.uk/OcellaWeb/planningDetails?reference=63329/APP/2021/1326&from=planningSearch

Ref. 53180/APP/2021/1325 (Waterside House) https://planning.hillingdon.gov.uk/OcellaWeb/planningDetails?reference=53180/APP/2021/1325&from=planningSearch

Many thanks for getting involved and trying to save this nature corridor.