The Harrow Council adopted the Harrow Local Plan 2021-2041, a comprehensive document outlining planning policies for the borough. The adoption followed extensive debate and discussion among councillors regarding housing targets, greenbelt protection, and community consultation.

Adoption of the Harrow Local Plan 2021-2041

The Harrow Local Plan 2021-2041 was adopted by the Council. Councillor Marilyn Ashton, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Planning & Regeneration, moved the recommendation, highlighting the plan's importance in providing a framework for development and protecting the character of Harrow. She emphasised that the previous local plan was over a decade old and becoming obsolete. Councillor Ashton noted the plan's success in helping to dismiss planning appeals, with a success rate of nearly 85% in recent months, demonstrating its effectiveness. She stressed that the plan is a crucial tool for any future administration to maintain Harrow's character.

Councillor David Perry, Leader of the Labour Group, raised a question regarding Harraburra Football Club and the Tanglewood community group, whose home is facing potential closure and development into housing. He expressed concern that despite the local plan's emphasis on community involvement and development, steps had not been taken to save the 94-year-old football club. Councillor Ashton responded that the current meeting was solely for the adoption of the local plan and that such specific issues could not be addressed or amended within this forum, suggesting they be taken up offline.

Councillor Nitin Parekh expressed satisfaction with the inspector's increase in the family-sized housing requirement from 25% to 35% and the ambition for an affordable housing target of 50%. However, he questioned the concrete plans for implementing these targets, stating that he had not seen evidence of their achievement in the past four years. He also raised concerns about the feasibility of achieving the current target of 802 units per year, citing the removal of sites like the 500-home allocation at RHN and the potential relocation of the Hero Laser Centre. Councillor Parekh also pointed out increased housing allocations at Stanmore Station, Cannon's Park Station, and Reynolds Lane car parks, and the Tesco Superstore site, suggesting a discrepancy between stated intentions and the plan's details. He concluded by expressing a lack of confidence in achieving even the current lower housing targets, let alone the significantly higher ones expected under the new London Plan.

Councillor Graham Henson raised concerns about the plan's removal of designated areas of special character, changes to intensification zones, and the increase in small sites allocation, particularly in high-density areas. He also noted the deletion of the tall building strategy outside of specific opportunity areas, which he believes will create pressure on other parts of Harrow. Councillor Henson also questioned the council's decision-making process, suggesting that decisions were sometimes made separately from the council and that scrutiny had not adequately addressed these issues.

Councillor Stephen Greek, Portfolio Holder for Performance, Communications & Customer Experience, supported the local plan, calling it a fantastic piece of work that protects Harrow's cherished aspects while meeting housing targets. He highlighted the plan's protection of the greenbelt, suburban areas, and its strong policies against inappropriate Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). He also welcomed the increase in family homes and the introduction of local areas of special character.

Councillor David Perry reiterated his concerns about the consultation process, stating that for many development sites, consultation with immediate neighbours and adjacent properties had been lacking. He expressed disappointment that despite his repeated urgings, the administration had not adequately consulted with residents who would be impacted by future developments.

Councillor Paul Osborn, Leader of the Council, defended the plan, stating that an independent inspector had deemed the targets achievable and the consultation process sound. He argued that the council had to conform to the London Plan and that failing to do so would leave Harrow without a sound plan or protection from national policy. He praised the work of Councillor Ashton and the officers in bringing the plan forward, acknowledging the sacrifices made by councillors on both sides of the chamber.

Councillor Marilyn Ashton concluded the debate by reiterating that the document could not be amended and that its adoption was crucial to avoid significant problems, particularly as the London Plan was becoming outdated. She addressed Councillor Parekh's points on affordable housing by referencing the town centre's skyscrapers with limited affordable homes, suggesting that the previous administration, which she implied was responsible for those developments, should not be complaining. She urged all councillors to vote for the plan, stating that without it, defending appeals would be extremely difficult.

The recommendation to adopt the Harrow Local Plan 2021-2041 was carried with 26 votes in favour and 17 abstentions.