The Cabinet of Harrow Council met on Thursday 13 March 2025, approving updated business plans for the Harrow Strategic Development Partnership (HSDP) concerning the Poets Corner and Byron Quarter regeneration projects, and endorsing new guidance for household recycling and waste management in new developments. The meeting also saw the approval of a cashless provider for parking charges and a review of the council's Q3 strategic performance.

New Harrow Local Plan

The Cabinet noted the outcomes of the latest consultation on the draft New Harrow Local Plan 2021-2041. They also noted the decision by the Chief Planning Officer, under delegated authority, to submit the draft Plan for examination on 26 February 2025. This report was for noting, and therefore not subject to call-in.

Harrow Strategic Development Partnership (HSDP)

Significant decisions were made regarding the Harrow Strategic Development Partnership (HSDP), focusing on the updated Overarching Business Plan and phase business plans for Poets Corner and Byron Quarter.

General HSDP Approvals:

• Progress on core sites against the January 2024 Business Plan was noted.
• The updated Overarching Business Plan was approved.
• Authority was delegated to the Acting Strategic Director of Housing and Regeneration to enter into contracts and take necessary actions for the delivery of activities outlined in the Overarching and Phase Business Plans.
• Authority was delegated to appropriate parts or the whole of the Byron Quarter and Poets Corner sites for planning purposes, including the power to override third-party rights and covenants.
• The Strategic Director of Finance was authorised to approve the rollover of any underspent funds from the business plans for Byron Quarter and Poets Corner.
• The Strategic Director of Finance was authorised to approve and enter into financial agreements required by the Members Agreement.
• The Strategic Director of Legal and Governance (Monitoring Officer) was authorised to take necessary action to ensure compliance with subsidy control laws and potential tax liabilities.

Byron Quarter (Phase 1):

• The updated HSDP Phase Business Plan for Byron Quarter (Phase 1) was approved, with a budget forecast of £5.0m (50% Council liability).
• Authority was delegated to discharge conditions precedent within the HSDP Development Agreement and agree the drafting of the development lease.
• It was noted that the Leader of the Council would exercise powers to approve an updated Phase Business Plan prior to land drawdown and to decide whether to enter into the Development Lease.

Poets Corner (Phase 1):

• The updated HSDP Phase Business Plan for Poets Corner (Phase 1) was approved, with a budget forecast of £6.870m (50% Council liability).
• Authority was delegated to agree the funding mechanism, budget, licence, and enabling works contract for early demolition works.
• Authority was delegated to discharge conditions precedent within the HSDP Development Agreement.
• It was noted that an updated Phased Business Plan for Poets Corner would form part of the Business Plan for 2026/7.

Milton Road and Peel Road:

• Progress on the Milton Road project was noted.
• The intention to review the Peel Road scheme during the coming financial year was noted.

Councillor Stephen Greek declared a pecuniary interest in Agenda Item 9 as a Council appointee on the HSDP and, due to a dispensation, remained in the room but did not vote. Councillor Kanti Rabadia also declared a pecuniary interest in this item.

Household Recycling and Waste Planning Guidance for New Developments and Conversions

The Cabinet approved new guidance for developers regarding household recycling and waste storage in new developments and conversions. This guidance aims to ensure adequate provision for waste management, aligning with the Council's Waste Strategy and the forthcoming 'Simpler Recycling in England' policy. The Strategic Director of Culture, Environment and Economy was delegated authority to make minor amendments to the guidance.

Provision of a Cashless Provider for Parking Charges

The Cabinet approved the commencement of procurement for a cashless payment provider for parking charges via the Crown Commercial Service G-Cloud 14 Framework. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director of Culture, Environment and Economy to manage the procurement process, including designing the specification and entering into a contract. This move is intended to ensure best value for money and improve the customer experience for residents using the Council's parking services.

Quarter 3 Strategic Performance Report

The Cabinet received and noted the Quarter 3 Strategic Performance Report, which detailed the council's performance against key measures and highlighted areas requiring action. Portfolio Holders were urged to continue working with officers to achieve improvements against identified challenges. The report indicated that while many flagship actions and performance indicators were on track or completed, some areas, such as EV charging points, cycleways, and biodiversity, were flagged as amber, requiring further attention. Challenges were also noted in areas like cybersecurity, recruitment and retention, and responding to new public procurement legislation.

Petitions

Three petitions were received and noted:

• A petition regarding excessive vehicle parking on St Kilda's Road was referred to the Strategic Director of Culture, Environment and Economy and the Portfolio Holder for Highways and Finance.
• A petition requesting pavement resurfacing on Parkfield Crescent was referred to the Strategic Director of Culture, Environment and Economy and the Portfolio Holder for Highways and Finance.
• A petition requesting road and pavement resurfacing on Lynwood Close was referred to the Strategic Director of Culture, Environment and Economy and the Portfolio Holder for Highways and Finance.