Harrow Council is seeking delegated authority to expedite the adoption of its New Harrow Local Plan 2021-2041, a move aimed at avoiding potential delays and ensuring the borough has an up-to-date planning framework. The current plan was adopted in 2012 and is now out of date, as the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) advises that Local Plans should be reviewed at least every five years.
The Planning Policy Advisory Panel met on Monday to discuss the plan's progress and consider the next steps in the process. A key recommendation from the panel is for the cabinet to delegate authority to the Chief Planning Officer, Viv Evans, to progress all aspects of the draft plan through the Examination in Public process. This would allow Evans, in consultation with Councillor Marilyn Ashton, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Planning & Regeneration, to agree on proposed 'main modifications' with the inspector and undertake consultation on these.
The hearing sessions at the Harrow Arts Centre in June and July 2025 were held to discuss the draft New Harrow Local Plan 2021-2041. The sessions considered ten matters identified by the inspector, Krista Masters, based on representations made during the last consultation round and her initial assessment of the draft. The key objective was to determine if modifications were required to make the plan sound.
According to the meeting's report pack, failing to seek delegated authority could lead to significant delays and increase the risks associated with not having a current Local Plan. The report pack also warns that if the draft plan is not adopted, Harrow could be subject to higher housing targets determined by the government's 'standard methodology' when the London Plan becomes out-of-date in March 2026.
The draft plan has already undergone a series of hearing sessions at the Harrow Arts Centre in June and July 2025. A further hearing session is scheduled for mid-October to address any outstanding matters.
Several proposed 'main modifications' have been identified to date, including clarifications on strategic and non-strategic policies, modifications to policies regarding tall buildings, development on infill sites, housing needs, and the local economy. The proposed 'main modifications' regarding tall buildings (Policy GR4) and development on infill sites (Policy GR10) are aimed at improving the effectiveness and clarity of the policies, ensuring internal consistency, and reducing duplication. The modifications to Policy GR4 also include strengthening the policy by including some supporting text within the policy itself, and inclusion of additional text with respect to the potential impact of tall buildings on areas outside the Opportunity Area. The modifications seek to retain the Council's approach to development on individual gardens.
Once the hearing sessions conclude, the inspector will finalize proposed modifications, followed by a six-week consultation period. The council will compile responses for the inspector, who will then prepare a draft report. After a factor check, the final inspector's report is issued. If the plan is found sound, the council can adopt the plan through meetings of the Cabinet and Council in early 2026.
The public will be consulted on the proposed 'main modifications' during a 6-week period. The consultation will include a package of supporting documents: Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA) comprising Sustainability Appraisal, Habitats Regulation Assessment, Equalities Impact Assessment, Health Impact Assessment) and Changes to the Policies Map. The consultation will only be about the proposed 'main modifications' and any policies map changes. The nature and duration of the consultation will broadly reflect that of the consultation held at Regulation 19 stage (i.e. November-December 2024), where appropriate.
