The Planning Policy Advisory Panel met on Monday 22 January 2024 to discuss the Draft Harrow Local Plan. The panel resolved to recommend that the draft plan be approved for an eight-week public consultation period.

New Harrow Local Plan

The Panel received a report on the Draft Harrow Local Plan (Regulation 18 version) and sought Cabinet approval to proceed with an eight-week public consultation from February to April 2024. The report included the draft Interim Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA) advice note and outlined the proposed consultation arrangements. The aim is for the Local Plan to be adopted by Full Council by the end of 2025, with increasing weight given to planning applications as the plan progresses through its various stages.

Members sought clarification on the operational timeline of the plan and were advised that it would become increasingly influential as it moved through the approval process. Concerns were raised about the potential redundancy of current Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs). Officers explained that SPDs are expected to remain effective for approximately five years, but recent legislative changes and evolving government stances on planning regulations might influence their duration.

The importance of garden protection was highlighted, with the Chair noting that the Local Plan incorporates policies from the Garden Land SPD to offer greater protection against inappropriate development. Officers confirmed that the new policy document is intended to be the primary source of policy and protection, particularly concerning recent developments such as tall buildings and upcoming town centre masterplans. The Panel requested a user-friendly guide to outline the changes from the current Local Plan to the new one.

Clarification was sought regarding the process for inviting stakeholders to propose potential development sites, as detailed on page 9, point 4.5 of the report. Officers explained this involves using databases, engaging planning consultants, accessing the Land Registry, and publicising the Local Plan to encourage stakeholder involvement. These proposed sites would then be evaluated based on viability, acceptability, and deliverability.

Regarding feedback from the Greater London Authority (GLA), officers stated that while initial feedback is informal, the Mayor will provide formal feedback on the draft plans, including input from the wider GLA, by mid-2024. This will result in a formal 'general conformity' letter.

The achievability of the 50% affordable homes target was questioned. Officers responded that this is a strategic target, often achievable with grant funding from the Mayor.

The potential implications of the proposed timeframes for the new Local Plan in the event of a change in government were discussed. It was acknowledged that predicting such implications is not possible, and the planning system is subject to constant change. However, given the age of the current Local Plan, it was deemed important to continue preparing a new one.

Members also inquired about the weight given to assessed sites once included in the draft plan as site allocations. Officers advised that there would be an influx of sites as the process progresses, and these allocations would be formally identified in the Plan after their viability and appropriateness have been considered, including their height parameters. The call for sites process is expected to help understand potential development capacity relative to the London Plan target.

Concerns were raised about the subjective nature of terms like practical and fit for purpose within the draft plan, particularly concerning residential conversions. Officers explained that London Plan standards would guide these definitions, ensuring reasonable room dimensions. The Panel also questioned whether focusing on areas with high public transport accessibility might lead to overpopulation and overdevelopment. Officers stated the need to balance sustainable transport goals with local character and impact.

The Panel thanked the officers for their work and requested a concise frequently asked questions summary to be included during the consultation period.

The Panel resolved to recommend to Cabinet that the draft New Harrow Local Plan (Regulation 18 Version) be approved. They also noted the report, the intention to make minor amendments and insert outstanding background/process material to the draft plan prior to presentation to Cabinet and consultation commencement under delegated authority, and the proposed consultation arrangements.

Councillor Stephen Greek and Councillor Asif Hussain declared a non-pecuniary interest in Agenda Item 3, as they both work for the London Assembly, which scrutinises the London Plan. They confirmed they would remain in the room during the consideration and voting on the item.