This week, the Harrow Council held three meetings: the Pension Fund Committee on Monday, 10 June 2024, the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday, 11 June 2024, and the Planning Policy Advisory Panel on Thursday, 13 June 2024. The most impactful discussions took place during the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting focused on several key issues, including the Youth Justice Plan and the challenges faced by the Youth Justice Service.

Youth Justice Plan

The meeting began with the approval of minutes from previous meetings and a discussion on the Youth Justice Plan. The plan, which outlines the local authority's strategy for delivering and financing youth justice services, was presented by the Interim Assistant Director for Safeguarding and Youth Justice Service.

The key points discussed included:

• Late Submission of the Report: The report was submitted late due to staffing changes and delays in information gathering. The Interim Assistant Director apologized for the delay and explained the mitigating factors.
• Youth Justice Partnership Vision: The vision is for a youth justice system that treats children as children, emphasizing a systemic response to the challenges facing young people through partnership working.
• Local Offending Profile: The report provided a snapshot of the youth offending profile in Harrow, highlighting the types of offenses and the demographics of the young people involved.
• Key Areas of Focus: The discussion covered key areas such as knife crime, mental toughness programs, and the importance of early intervention and restorative work.

The committee expressed concerns about the delay in the report and the need for more detailed outcome data on the programs. They also discussed the importance of engaging with parents and the community to support young people and prevent escalation into the criminal justice system.

Challenges Faced by the Youth Justice Service

The meeting also highlighted several challenges faced by the Youth Justice Service, including:

• Staffing and Resources: The need for adequate staffing and resources to support the delivery of youth justice services.
• Data Sharing and Collaboration: The importance of data sharing and collaboration with other agencies, such as the police and health services, to provide a holistic approach to youth justice.
• Transition to Adulthood: The challenges of supporting young people as they transition to adulthood and the need for continued support from probation services and other agencies.

The committee acknowledged the complexity of the issues and the importance of a multifaceted approach to addressing youth offending. They emphasized the need for ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the Youth Justice Plan to ensure its effectiveness.

Summary

This week's Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting underscored the importance of a comprehensive and collaborative approach to youth justice. The discussions highlighted the challenges faced by the Youth Justice Service and the need for adequate resources, data sharing, and community engagement to support young people and prevent escalation into the criminal justice system. The committee's focus on detailed outcome data and ongoing monitoring reflects their commitment to ensuring the effectiveness of the Youth Justice Plan and improving outcomes for young people in Harrow.

This week, the Harrow Council held a Licensing Panel meeting on Tuesday, 28 May 2024.

Licensing Panel Meeting

The Licensing Panel meeting was primarily focused on an application for a new premises license for a McDonald's restaurant and drive-through in South Harrow. The application sought to extend the operating hours for the drive-through and delivery services to 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Key Participants

• Councillor Moshinson (Chair)
• Councillor Henson
• Councillor Gooden-Freeman
• Alastair Cryan (Legal Advisor)
• Sreetal Rajani (Licensing Team Leader)
• Ari Mavani (Applicant, Owner of McDonald's in Harrow)
• Tom Russell (Area Manager)
• Lee Brand (Restaurant Manager)

Application Details

The application requested the following:

• Extend the drive-through service hours from the current 2 a.m. to 5 a.m.
• Maintain the restaurant area service hours from 11 p.m. to midnight.
• The premises already had a license for late-night refreshment until 2 a.m. for the drive-through.

Objections and Concerns

Two objections were raised by local residents, Mr. Daniel O'Riden and Ms. Artie Halligan, who cited concerns about:

• Antisocial Behavior: Potential increase due to extended hours.
• Noise Nuisance: Especially from the drive-through.
• Litter: Increased littering in the area.
• Traffic and Safety: Concerns about traffic congestion and safety of staff and residents.

Applicant's Response

Ari Mavani, the applicant, addressed these concerns by highlighting several measures:

• Litter Management: McDonald's conducts three daily litter picks and participates in weekly community litter picks.
• Noise Control: Installation of artistic fencing and night mode for the COD box to reduce noise.
• Safety Measures: Implementation of CCTV and ANPR systems to monitor and manage the premises.
• Community Engagement: Regular communication with residents and participation in local community events.

Mavani emphasized the importance of being a good neighbor and the efforts made to mitigate any negative impact on the community. He also mentioned that the extended hours would create 22 new jobs, contributing to local employment and economic growth.

Panel's Decision

After considering the application and the objections, the panel decided to grant the license with the following conditions:

• Drive-Through Service: Extended to 5 a.m.
• Restaurant Area Service: Maintained until midnight.
• Additional Conditions: Amendments to conditions related to litter management, noise control, and safety measures.

The decision reflects the council's commitment to balancing business interests with community concerns, ensuring that any potential negative impacts are mitigated through stringent conditions and ongoing community engagement.

Summary

This week's Licensing Panel meeting highlighted the ongoing theme of balancing commercial development with community well-being. The council's decision to grant the extended license for McDonald's, with specific conditions, underscores their approach to fostering economic growth while addressing residents' concerns. The measures put in place for litter management, noise control, and safety are crucial steps in maintaining a harmonious relationship between businesses and the local community.

This week, the Harrow Council held two meetings: the Cabinet on Tuesday, 21 May 2024, and the Planning Committee on Wednesday, 22 May 2024. The most impactful discussions took place during the Cabinet meeting.

Cabinet Meeting

The Cabinet meeting covered a range of topics, including electric vehicle (EV) charging, parking charges, street cleaning, and public space protection orders (PSPOs).

Electric Vehicle Charging

Dr. Parvinder Fool raised a public question about the installation of home EV charging points for properties without off-street parking. He asked who at Harrow Council is responsible for providing cross-pavement permission and what the process is for obtaining it. Councillor David Ashton responded that the council currently does not permit cross-pavement EV charging cables due to safety concerns. However, the council is investigating how other boroughs have managed this issue and will consider introducing a similar option if successful. Dr. Fool also highlighted a UK government grant offering £350 for households to install EV charge points, which requires council permission. Councillor Ashton acknowledged the issue and stated that the council would look into it and respond as soon as possible.

Parking Charges

Hugh Brown questioned the introduction of Saturday parking charges in North Harrow's Cambridge Road car park, arguing that the charges would negatively impact local businesses and community groups. Councillor Ashton responded that the charges were part of the usual fees and charges report and had been approved by the cabinet and council. He stated that the changes were advertised in accordance with statutory processes and that the council believes the charges will not adversely affect visitors to North Harrow.

Street Cleaning and Cemetery Maintenance

Councillor Assad raised concerns about street cleaning and the maintenance of cemeteries. He questioned why it took two years for the administration to prioritize street cleaning. The leader responded by highlighting budget cuts made by the previous administration and the current administration's efforts to invest in street cleaning. Councillor Assad also raised concerns about the neglect of cemeteries, and Councillor Pritish Patel explained that staffing shortages and weather conditions had impacted maintenance but assured that efforts were being made to address the issues.

Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs)

The council discussed the introduction of PSPOs for Bentley Priory and the Viewpoint at Old Reading. Councillor British Patel presented the report, which included enhanced consultation results and proposed amendments to the PSPO controls. The council approved the recommendations, which included specific measures for dog control in designated areas.

Administrative Matters

The council approved procurement arrangements for temporary staffing services, the review of the procurement program, and the re-procurement of social care IT systems. They also approved the allocation of the Household Support Fund to provide assistance to residents facing cost-of-living pressures, with a focus on providing free school meals during holidays and supporting low-income households.

Planning Committee Meeting

The Planning Committee meeting focused on planning applications for various developments in Harrow.

40A Summerville Road and 1 Carlisle Avenue

The committee reviewed a proposal for the redevelopment of two bungalows into a two-storey building with six self-contained flats. Despite objections from local residents and councillors regarding privacy, traffic, and consultation issues, the committee approved the application with an additional condition to reconsider the placement of commercial bins.

ANPR Camera at Morrison's Car Park

The committee discussed a retrospective application for an ANPR camera mounted on a four-meter-high pole at Morrison's car park. The application was approved, emphasizing that it had no bearing on the ongoing negotiations regarding car park usage for Harrow Arts Centre visitors.

70 Axbridge Road

The committee reviewed a proposal to demolish an existing building and construct a two-storey building with habitable roof space containing eight flats. The committee approved the application, noting that it complied with planning policies and previous appeal decisions.

18 Wealdor Drive

The committee considered an application for a two-storey semi-detached property involving a rear extension, a first-floor addition, and an outbuilding. The application was made by a council staff member and was approved, noting that it met all relevant planning policies.

72 Elm Grove

The committee reviewed a prior approval application for a large single-storey rear extension under permitted development. The application was made by a council staff member and was granted prior approval, noting that no objections were received from neighbors.

Chestnut Cottage, Tanglewood Close

The committee discussed an application for 1.9-meter-high wrought iron gates at Chestnut Cottage. The property is located in the metropolitan greenbelt and adjacent to Bentley Priory. The committee approved the application, noting that the gates would not impact the openness of the greenbelt and were in keeping with the character of the area.

Summary

The discussions this week have highlighted several ongoing themes: the challenges of implementing EV charging infrastructure, the impact of parking charges on local communities, and the importance of maintaining public spaces. The council's commitment to addressing these issues through consultation and strategic planning is evident. The introduction of PSPOs and the approval of various planning applications indicate a focus on both public safety and development within the borough.

This week, the Harrow Council held four meetings: the Council, the Licensing and General Purposes Committee, the Traffic and Road Safety Advisory Panel, and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The most impactful discussions took place during the Traffic and Road Safety Advisory Panel meeting on Monday, 13 May 2024.

Traffic and Road Safety Advisory Panel

The Traffic and Road Safety Advisory Panel meeting covered several significant issues, including the Heritage Pinner Cycle Way project, public safety concerns, and parking management schemes.

Heritage Pinner Cycle Way Project

David Summers raised concerns about the Heritage Pinner Cycle Way project, particularly its lack of support from traders on Marsh Road and Pinner Synagogue. He requested a site meeting to address safety concerns, especially regarding cyclists sharing the pavement with pedestrians near the synagogue. The council agreed to facilitate a site visit and continue working on consultation responses and amendments to the proposals.

Active Transport Motion

Paul Vichard questioned the absence of a cycle route along Station Road and Sheepcoat Road in Harrow's draft long-term transport strategy. The council clarified that the long-term strategy is a high-level policy document and that specific projects are detailed in the transport local implementation plan. They mentioned that two parallel routes along quieter residential streets are in design and will be consulted on later this financial year.

Road Safety Concerns

Mr. D Pat raised a serious issue about a motorcyclist who was run over at the junction of Whitmore Road and Drury Road. He emphasized the need for a pedestrian island to prevent such accidents. The council acknowledged the severity of the incident and stated that the police investigation is ongoing. They committed to chasing up the investigation and considering measures to improve safety at the junction.

Petitions

Councillor Parrik presented a petition from residents of Camrose Avenue, highlighting issues of congestion, speeding, and parking problems due to local school traffic. The petition requested the council to address these issues and improve safety at the junction with Edgware Road. The council acknowledged the petition and noted the need for faster action.

Parking Management Schemes

The council discussed the annual parking program, including the prioritization and implementation of parking management schemes. They highlighted the need for a strategic approach to address parking issues and ensure that schemes are suitable for local areas. Specific areas mentioned included Stanmore College and Northolt Road.

Road Fatalities Report

The council reviewed a report on road fatalities over the past 18 months, detailing incidents at various locations, including Pinner Road Station Road Junction, Mollison Avenue, Uxbridge Road Waxwell Lane Junction, George V Avenue, and College Hill Road Kenton Lane Mountside. They discussed ongoing investigations and measures being taken to improve safety at these locations.

Harrow's Long-Term Transport Strategy

The council presented a draft of Harrow's long-term transport strategy, which aims to align with the mayor's transport strategy and create a sustainable road user hierarchy. The strategy focuses on promoting active travel, improving public transport, and supporting the local economy. The council invited feedback on the draft strategy, which will go to consultation in mid to late May.

Reappointment of Advisors

The council reappointed the current advisors, including Anthony Wood, acknowledging their contributions to the panel's work.

The next meeting of the Traffic and Road Safety Advisory Panel is scheduled for the 10th of July.

Summary

The discussions this week have highlighted several ongoing themes: the need for improved road safety measures, the importance of active transport, and the challenges of parking management. The council's commitment to addressing these issues through consultation and strategic planning is evident. The upcoming consultation on Harrow's long-term transport strategy will be crucial for shaping the future of transport in the area.