Harrow Council's Cabinet has given the green light for the final approval of the Harrow Local Plan 2021-2041, a comprehensive strategy outlining the borough's development until 2041. The plan, which has undergone several years of development and public consultation, sets out policies to guide future growth while protecting Harrow's character, particularly its suburban areas.
Councillor Marilyn Ashton, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Planning & Regeneration, highlighted the plan's importance in safeguarding Harrow against inappropriate developments, such as 'very tall buildings or badly designed buildings in our suburban areas'. The plan aims to deliver a minimum of 16,040 net new homes between 2021 and 2041. This includes at least 8,300 new homes within the Harrow & Wealdstone Opportunity Area, a minimum of 2,500 homes in the rest of the borough, and 5,250 new homes on small sites (below 0.25ha).
The Local Plan has successfully navigated a public examination and received confirmation from the inspector that, with modifications, it is a sound plan. The plan aims to accommodate necessary growth, especially within the Harrow & Wealdstone Opportunity Area, which is identified as the primary focus for development. Development here is expected to be more intensive due to its character and proximity to public transport and infrastructure. Specific policies will support developments that improve its vitality and vibrancy, addressing Harrow Town Centre, Station Road, and Wealdstone District Town Centre. These include reinforcing primary shopping areas, supporting mixed-use schemes with active frontages, improving walking connectivity, and ensuring development responds to the area's character while accommodating higher density development.
The plan aims to balance accommodating growth with protecting Harrow's character, particularly its suburban areas. Development in these areas must respond positively to the existing character, respecting 'Metroland' and 'Village' characteristics. New development outside of the Harrow & Wealdstone Opportunity Area, especially in areas with low public transport accessibility and limited infrastructure capacity, will be of a modest scale and must protect and enhance the unique character of these locations. The Harrow Characterisation & Tall Building Study (2021) provides analysis of the borough's character to inform proposals.
Cabinet accepted six recommendations related to the adoption of the Local Plan, which will now proceed to Full Council for final approval. The inspector's report confirming the plan's soundness with modifications was received on Monday at 5:11 pm, and the document is undergoing final spell checks before coming before the Council next week. This marks a significant milestone in shaping the future development of the borough.
The plan also addresses the anticipated impacts of new development on local infrastructure. The Council will work with strategic partners identified through the Harrow Infrastructure Delivery Plan to identify required infrastructure to support development, such as transport improvements, school places, and access to doctor surgeries. Development contributions will be used to ensure the community continues to enjoy access to all forms of social and physical infrastructure, including education, healthcare, recreation, and cultural facilities.
