New Harrow Local Plan 2021-2041
Harrow Council is currently discussing tighter regulations for Houses in Multiple Occupation, following the adoption of its Local Plan in March 2026.
Harrow Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee discussed a proposed borough-wide Article 4 Direction in June 2026. This direction aims to remove permitted development rights for converting dwelling houses into small Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), occupied by three to six unrelated individuals. The council is set to implement tighter regulations to address concerns over local amenity and community well-being.
The council officially adopted the New Harrow Local Plan 2021-2041 in March 2026, with 26 votes in favour and 17 abstentions. This comprehensive document outlines planning policies for the borough until 2041. Councillors raised concerns regarding the plan's housing targets and their achievability, although Councillor Marilyn Ashton highlighted its success in recent planning appeal decisions.
The Local Plan aims to deliver a minimum of 16,040 net new homes and safeguard Harrow against inappropriate developments, such as very tall or badly designed buildings in suburban areas, as stated by Councillor Marilyn Ashton. The plan was approved by the Cabinet in March 2026, following several years of development and public consultation.
Key facts
- Harrow Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee discussed a proposed borough-wide Article 4 Direction for HMOs in June 2026. Source
- Harrow Council adopted the New Harrow Local Plan 2021-2041 on March 24, 2026. Source 1 Source 2
- The Local Plan was approved with 26 votes in favour and 17 abstentions. Source 1 Source 2
- The plan aims to deliver a minimum of 16,040 net new homes. Source
- Councillor Marilyn Ashton, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Planning & Regeneration, championed the plan. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.