Former Arla Foods development can now go ahead

A judicial review of Hillingdon Council’s decision to approve planning permission for a multimillion-pound regeneration of the former Arla Foods site on Victoria Road in South Ruislip has been dismissed by the courts. On Wednesday July 22, the High Court handed down a judgement that confirmed that the council’s decision-making process was sound and rejected both grounds for a judicial review put forward by Sainsbury’s. The former Arla Foods site development was approved by Hillingdon Council’s Major Applications Planning Committee in October 2014. It is set to bring new homes, a Cineworld cinema, an Asda supermarket and several restaurants to South Ruislip. After approval was granted, Sainsbury’s requested that the decision be subject to a judicial review, arguing that the council had been inconsistent with its decision-making process and had misapplied planning policy. Cllr Ray Puddifoot, leader of Hillingdon Council, said: “We are delighted that the judge upheld our original decision to approve the Arla Foods site development in South Ruislip. “The fact that the judge made no criticism of the council’s handling of the application speaks highly of the skill and judgement of our planning department. Sainsbury’s clumsy efforts to delay progress on this scheme were little more than a time-wasting exercise. “At long last the way is now clear for work to begin on providing new homes, shops and leisure facilities for the borough’s residents.” Picture courtesy of Citygrove