CLAIMS that Hillingdon Council has agreed a master plan with Meyer Homes for the vacant Master Brewer site near the A40 were denied this week.

The council said that, while it was in constructive dialogue with the applicant, M B Hillingdon Ltd (Meyer Homes) when a planning application was first lodged in September 2017, the company ceased negotiations in late 2018.

Instead, said a spokesman, the firm pursued the current scheme, which was heavily criticised at the council’s planning committee in February.

Cllr Ray Puddifoot, leader of the council, said: “We have not had any meaningful contact with Meyer Homes for some time and have not formulated or agreed a master plan with them.

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“In fact, we have decided to refuse them planning permission on the site for no less than 10 reasons, including unacceptable over-development.

“While we recognise the need for affordable housing, we will always defend our residents against poor quality and inappropriate development proposals such as this.”

As is normal procedure with any scheme of more than 150 homes, Hillingdon is legally required to refer its planning decision to the Greater London Authority to review.

GLA officers will meet London Mayor Sadiq Khan on next week, so he can decide whether to let Hillingdon Council refuse the application, or take over determination himself.

The vacant site in question is the demolished Master Brewer Motel and pub at Hillingdon Circus.