Hillingdon Council Fights Mayor's Housing Targets
Borough leaders argue draft London Plan disproportionately targets Green Belt land for development.
News London evidence indexOpen analysis ▾
Trust 74: includes named council leader quote and cited Mayor's draft plan, but only one source and no independent outlets.
Higher is stronger
Critic 95: clearly explains relevance, quotes council leader, provides specific figures and dates, and outlines next steps.
Higher is stronger
Hype 35: language is strong but headline matches content; no excessive sensationalism.
Lower is better
Hillingdon Council has voiced strong opposition to the Mayor of London's draft London Plan, arguing that its proposed housing targets place an unfair burden on the borough's green spaces. The draft plan suggests a target of 24,030 homes for Hillingdon over the next decade, a figure more than double the current allocation.
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According to the council, 61% of the homes proposed under the draft London Plan would be constructed on the borough's green spaces. This represents the largest allocation of Green Belt land for development among all London boroughs. Hillingdon Council is preparing a formal response to the consultation, questioning the evidence behind this disproportionate targeting.
Council leaders state that planning decisions should be informed by local evidence and supported by necessary infrastructure. Hillingdon's own Growth Plan, by contrast, prioritises the use of brownfield sites and aims to preserve the Green Belt where feasible. Concerns have also been raised that the draft plan does not adequately consider the potential impact of Heathrow expansion on the borough.
This plan is another example of the Mayor trying to dictate Hillingdon's future from City Hall, with little regard for the people who actually live here.
Cllr Steve Tuckwell, Leader of Hillingdon Council
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Leader of Hillingdon Council, Cllr Steve Tuckwell, stated that the Mayor's plan expects Hillingdon to sacrifice more Green Belt land than any other borough without sufficient justification. He emphasised that the Green Belt serves vital functions, including protecting communities, supporting wildlife, and improving air quality, and that its loss is permanent. Cllr Tuckwell also highlighted the uncertainty surrounding Heathrow expansion, arguing that any credible plan for Hillingdon must address its potential profound impact.
Consultation Deadlines
The consultation period for the Mayor of London's draft London Plan concludes on 15 October 2026. Hillingdon residents also have the opportunity to provide feedback on the borough's Local Plan, with that consultation running until 21 August 2026.
Questions this report answers
+What housing target is the Mayor proposing for Hillingdon?
The draft London Plan proposes 24,030 homes for Hillingdon over the next decade, which is more than double the current target. This figure represents a significant increase in housing demand for the borough.
+How much Green Belt land would be used under the Mayor's plan?
The draft plan allocates 61% of the proposed homes to be built on Green Belt land, the largest such allocation in London. This means over half of the new housing would come at the expense of protected green spaces.
+When does the consultation for the Mayor's plan end?
The consultation period for the Mayor of London's draft London Plan closes on 15 October 2026. Residents have until this date to submit their feedback on the proposals.
+What is Hillingdon Council's alternative approach?
Hillingdon Council's Growth Plan prioritises brownfield sites and aims to protect the Green Belt where possible. This contrasts with the Mayor's plan, which focuses heavily on Green Belt development.
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