The Planning Policy Advisory Panel of Harrow Council met on Tuesday 18 March 2025 to discuss proposed Local Areas of Special Character (LASC), the outcomes of the New Harrow Local Plan consultation, and a review of the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) process. The panel recommended three new areas for designation as LASCs, noted the submission of the New Harrow Local Plan for examination, and reviewed recommendations for improving the NCIL process.

Proposed Local Areas of Special Character (LASC)

The panel considered proposals for three new areas to be designated as Local Areas of Special Character (LASC). These designations aim to protect areas of local architectural and historical significance that may not meet the stricter criteria for conservation area status.

The proposed areas for consultation are:

• Kenton Park Parade, Kenton: This area is noted for its cohesive 1930s suburban architecture, built by developer T.F. Nash, and its connection to the Grade II listed Kenton Lane Farm buildings and the history of telephone exchanges.
• West End Lane and West End Avenue, Pinner: This area includes locally listed 19th-century cottages and speculative housing from the early 20th century, situated along a medieval lane, contributing to a distinctive stockbroker vernacular character.
• Parts of West Harrow Village: This proposal seeks to add specific roads (Vaughan Road, Butler Road, Drury Road, and Heath Road) to the existing 'West Harrow Village' LASC. These roads are named after Harrow School headmasters and were developed in the late Victorian/Edwardian era, retaining some cohesive townscape and architectural features.

The panel recommended these three areas to Cabinet for agreement to proceed with consultation. Following consultation, delegated authority will be sought for the Chief Planning Officer to decide on the final designation.

New Harrow Local Plan Consultation Outcomes and Submission

The panel received an update on the outcomes of the Regulation 19 consultation for the New Harrow Local Plan (2021-2041) and noted its subsequent submission for examination. The consultation, which ran from November to December 2024, received 83 online feedback forms and 80 email responses from individuals, statutory consultees, developers, and interest groups.

Key themes raised during the consultation included:

• Spatial Strategy: Concerns were voiced by residents about the concentration of growth in the Opportunity Area, while developers questioned the ambition for growth outside this area.
• Housing Needs: Developers raised concerns about the sufficiency of housing targets, particularly for family and affordable housing, and the reliance on small sites. There were also claims that the target for older person accommodation was too low and requests for greater flexibility for co-living schemes.
• Historic Environment: Historic England provided feedback on clarity of terminology, potential impacts of tall buildings, and queries regarding site allocations near heritage assets.
• Infrastructure: Residents expressed concerns about the strain on infrastructure, while developers sought clarification that contributions would address new needs rather than historic shortfalls.
• Green Belt: The Mayor of London recommended that Green Belt site allocations refer to national policy tests, including the need to demonstrate very special circumstances.
• Climate Change and Flood Risk: The Environment Agency raised concerns about the approach to managing flood risk and groundwater contamination.
• Transport: Transport for London (TfL) expressed concerns about wording supporting car parking above their maximum standards.

The report indicated that the Mayor of London considered the draft Local Plan to be in general conformity with the London Plan. The plan was submitted to the Secretary of State for examination on 26 February 2025, following approval by Cabinet and Council. The examination will assess the plan's legal compliance and soundness.

Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) Process Review

The panel reviewed the outcomes of a process review for the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL). The review aimed to improve the approach to future allocations, project identification, approval, delivery, and the carrying over of unspent funds.

Key recommendations from the review include:

• Future Allocations: The current 10% Ward NCIL and 5% Central NCIL split will remain. However, a monetary cap of £100,000 will be applied to Ward NCIL receipts per ward per financial year, with any excess re-allocated to the Central NCIL fund. A minimum Ward NCIL income of £10,000 will be established for wards with limited development, topped up from the re-allocated funds.
• Project Identification: For Ward NCIL, project identification will largely remain with ward members and the community. For Central NCIL, project identification must consider strategic council priorities, such as budget setting and flagship actions.
• Project Approval: The process for approving bids for Central NCIL projects with borough-wide or multi-ward benefits will be clarified, allowing approval from relevant Portfolio Holders. For smaller Central NCIL bids benefiting one or two wards, support from other wards will not be required unless relevant to the project's benefits.
• Unspent Funds: The current process for re-allocating unallocated year-end balances over £100,000, or funds unspent after two years, to the Central NCIL fund will remain, with discretion for carry-forward requests requiring justification.

The panel recommended these options to Cabinet for approval and for the Chief Planning Officer to be authorised to implement the recommendations. The revised process is intended to be implemented for the 2025/26 financial year.