Hillingdon Council challenges Mayor’s London Plan over Green Belt housing proposal

Hillingdon Council has mounted a formal challenge to the Mayor of London’s draft London Plan, warning that the proposal would require the borough to deliver 24,030 new homes over the next decade, with 61% of those homes built on protected Green Belt land. Council leaders argue the plan places a disproportionate burden on Hillingdon, citing the loss of open space, wildlife habitats and community health benefits, and note that the draft fails to address the potential impact of Heathrow Airport expansion.

Council officials stress that while the London Plan sets overall housing targets, the decision on specific sites rests with the borough’s own Local Plan. They point to data showing that other outer London boroughs face similar per‑hectare pressures and that inner boroughs without Green Belt are required to meet even higher housing targets on brownfield sites. The council is seeking public engagement, requesting more information from the Greater London Authority, and urging residents to respond to the consultation before its October deadline.