Hillingdon Council has refused to comment on whether it intends to purchase land attached to the Rural Activities Garden Centre which is currently under threat of closure.
The council recently announced its intention to shut the facility in Colham, near Hayes, sparking upset among those who argue it’s a vital outlet for people with learning disabilities who volunteer there.
While the council argues the centre is not financially sustainable, and it’s costing taxpayers money, objectors say its purpose is not to be a commercial entity, but a social enterprise.
Many residents have questioned whether the site is being closed down for reasons other than the council’s current position. At a petition hearing relating to the closure on Wednesday (June 11), one concerned resident raised the issue.
Dominic Craddock said in his speech: “More recently, it is rumoured that Hillingdon Council have approached Buckinghamshire County Council to buy five acres of green belt land it owns at the back of the centre.
“If the centre was to close, and should Buckinghamshire County Council sell the five acre green belt land, the Hillingdon Council would own seven acres – it is rumoured the land would be used as temporary housing for migrants.”
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) approached Hillingdon Council to ask whether the council has, or is currently engaged in, negotiations, or is considering purchasing the land currently owned by Buckinghamshire County Council. Instead of ruling it out, a council spokesperson said: “The council can’t speculate on land it doesn’t own.”
The council was also asked whether any plan has been made for the site post-closure. The spokesperson said: “No decision has been made to close the site and consequently no decision has arisen about an alternative use of the site.”
(Image: Philip James Lynch)
Mr Craddock also raised the fact that no consultation has taken place. He said: “I would like to begin by stating that it is extremely concerning that prior to the proposed closure announcement of the centre there was no public consultation.”
Local Government Associated guidance provides legal requirements for a consultation to be held in some scenarios, including when ‘equality’ is impacted, which objectors argue it is in this case.
It says: “The Equality Act 2010 states that public bodies must have ‘due regard’ to a variety of Equalities objectives (Equality Act 2010, Section 149) and consequently, Equality Analysis (formally Equality Impact Assessments) must be carried out to demonstrate that decision-makers are fully aware of the impact that changes may have on stakeholders.”
The LDRS asked Hillingdon Council why a public consultation has not been held however the authority did not respond.
Upon concluding the meeting, Cllr Lavery was heckled out of the room to chants of “shame”. When leaving the room he responded to one resident: “I’ve heard your petition, I’ve heard your petition, thank you.”
Philip is a Local Democracy Reporter covering Ealing, Hillingdon and Hounslow, with a focus on council decisions, housing, planning, licensing and community stories across west London.
