Following the vehicle collision in June 2025, the public consultation is now open regarding the proposed restoration of the Grade II listed building at 1, 1A & 1B High Street. A formal Listed Building Consent application has been submitted to the London Borough of Hillingdon by Crawford and Company, detailing the meticulous plans to repair the damage and return the property to its former glory.
Background to the Damage
In June 2025, a medium-sized Tesla car failed to stop at the roundabout and crashed into the front of the property, which houses The Priory Café. The impact was devastating, almost completely destroying the front elevation and leaving a large void in the building.
To prevent partial collapse, Acrow props and timber hoarding were immediately installed to make the structure safe. Subsequent structural surveys over the past several months have revealed the full extent of the damage. Along with the destroyed masonry and chimney flue, the impact displaced the right-hand masonry arch and exposed the original timber wallplate, which was unfortunately found to be suffering from rot and insect attack.
The Proposed Restoration Works
Because the building is a Grade II listed heritage asset (List Entry No 1194387), the repair strategy is highly sensitive. The submitted Design, Access, and Heritage Statement outlines a careful, phased reconstruction aimed at retaining as much of the historic fabric as possible.
Key highlights from the proposed schedule of works include:
- Salvaging Historic Materials: Unstable masonry will be carefully dismantled, and original clay bricks will be cleaned and set aside for reuse.
- Traditional Techniques: All brickwork will be bedded and repointed using a traditional, breathable lime-based mortar to match the historic original.
- Structural Reinforcement: The displaced masonry arch above the window will be carefully jacked back into its original position and reinforced with Helifix Helibars.
- Authentic Replacements: The destroyed chimney flue, front door, and timber glazed windows will be reconstructed and replaced on a strict ‘like-for-like’ basis to match their existing style, material, and colour.
- Internal Finishes: Damaged internal walls will be replastered, utilizing traditional lime plaster where appropriate to maintain the building’s breathability.
The primary objective of this application is to stabilize the building and reverse the impact damage without making any modern visual alterations to the cherished streetscape.
Have Your Say
The planning application (Reference: 4628/APP/2026/810) is currently live. We encourage residents to review the full details, drawings, and structural reports on the London Borough of Hillingdon’s planning portal and participate in the public consultation.
Let’s support the careful restoration of this important piece of Ruislip’s high street heritage.
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