The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Harrow Council met on Tuesday 09 June 2026 to discuss the proposed submission version of the West London Waste Plan and an Article 4 Direction relating to small Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). The Committee noted the report on the West London Waste Plan, which outlines policies for waste management development across six boroughs and the OPDC, and will be submitted for independent examination. They also noted the report proposing an Article 4 Direction to bring small HMO conversions under planning control, which would require planning permission for such changes of use.

West London Waste Plan

The Committee discussed the proposed submission version of the West London Waste Plan (WLWP), a statutory document that sets out planning policies for waste management development across six London boroughs and the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC). The plan, which covers the period up to 2041, aims to ensure sufficient capacity for waste processing, promote a circular economy, and reduce carbon emissions from waste transport and facilities.

Officers presented the outcomes of the initial consultation on the Regulation 18 draft of the plan, which took place between December 2025 and February 2026. A total of 77 responses were received across all participating authorities, with no specific comments from Harrow. Councillors raised concerns about the capacity of waste management sites in Harrow, particularly the reliance on a single site, Forward Drive, and the potential implications if it became inoperable. They were advised that the plan considers the capacity across all West London boroughs and that operational aspects are managed by the waste management function.

The Committee also discussed the potential for Harrow and West London to accommodate surplus waste from other boroughs, such as Westminster, Tower Hamlets, and Lambeth. Officers explained that discussions were ongoing to assess the suitability and implications of such arrangements. Concerns were raised about the historical experience of failed collaborations and the need for contingency plans.

Regarding the consultation process, it was noted that there was limited in-person attendance at drop-in sessions, and no further in-person events were proposed for the Regulation 19 stage. The focus for this stage would be on legal and procedural aspects, with comments submitted directly to the planning inspector.

The Committee asked about the financial implications for the Council and any potential infrastructure requirements. They were informed that the plan runs until 2041 and that infrastructure costs would primarily arise if additional sites were proposed, which is not currently the case.

Article 4 Direction relating to small Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)

The Committee received a report proposing the introduction of an Article 4 Direction to remove permitted development rights for the conversion of dwelling houses (Use Class C3) into small Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) (Use Class C4). This would mean that such conversions would require planning permission, allowing the Council to better control their location, concentration, and impact on local amenity and character.

Officers presented evidence, including planning records, HMO licensing data, electoral register analysis, building control records, and planning enforcement investigations, which indicated a significant increase in HMOs across the borough. This data suggested a correlation between the concentration of HMOs and issues such as anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping, and pressure on family-sized housing stock.

The Committee sought clarification on the immediate effect of the proposed Article 4 Direction and were advised that it would take effect immediately upon notice being given. Concerns were raised about potential errors in the Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA) regarding the presentation of impacts, and officers confirmed these would be reviewed and amended if necessary before the report went to Cabinet. The Committee also inquired about the impact on the planning department's workload, and were informed that an additional FTE Planning Enforcement Officer would be recruited.

The Committee discussed the issue of HMO concentration on certain streets and were advised that the Article 4 Direction would allow planning policies, including those addressing over-concentration, to be applied to future HMO developments.

The Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Marilyn Ashton, Portfolio Holder for Planning & Regeneration, was present and thanked officers for their presentation and responses.

RESOLVED: The Committee noted the reports on both the West London Waste Plan and the Article 4 Direction, and their comments were referred to Cabinet for consideration.