The Planning Committee of Harrow Council met on Thursday 4 January 2024 and unanimously granted planning permission for the phased demolition and redevelopment of Stanmore College, subject to a legal agreement. The meeting also noted the attendance of reserve members and the absence of declarations of interest or deputations.

Stanmore College Redevelopment

The committee granted planning permission for the phased demolition of six existing buildings at Stanmore College and the construction of five new linked building blocks, up to four storeys high. These new facilities will provide educational spaces, ancillary facilities, car parking, cycle parking, servicing, and landscaping. The decision was made subject to the negotiation and completion of a Section 106 legal agreement.

The proposal aims to modernise the college's facilities, which are described as being beyond their economic life and failing to meet modern educational standards. The redevelopment is part of the Department for Education's Capital Transformation Fund programme. The new buildings will accommodate an increase in student numbers, offering courses in areas such as STEM, childcare, healthcare, business, and finance, as well as Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) provision.

Concerns were raised by local residents regarding increased traffic, parking issues, noise, and the impact on the character of the residential area. The council's officers acknowledged these concerns, particularly regarding the scale and massing of Block A near the Old Church Lane Conservation Area, and the potential for overlooking from new windows. However, the committee was advised that the educational benefits of the project were substantial and outweighed the identified harms.

To mitigate potential negative impacts, the Section 106 agreement will include provisions for:

• Community Use: A community use agreement to detail arrangements for local residents to access college facilities, including a café and sports hall.
• College Operational Management: A plan to manage student numbers, staggered start/finish times, and liaison with residents to minimise disruption. This will cap the maximum number of students on site at any one time to 1,400 and the peak influx at 9 am to 900.
• Transport and Highways: A financial contribution of £10,000 towards Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) investigations, with a potential further £30,000 for extensions or amendments if required. A contribution of £35,000 will also be made towards bus stop improvements. A Travel Plan will be implemented to encourage sustainable travel.
• Employment and Training: A Training and Recruitment Plan to be agreed with the council, or a financial contribution of up to £41,250 to fund local employment and training programmes.
• Biodiversity: A commitment to deliver a minimum of 20% biodiversity net gain, exceeding the statutory requirement of 10%. This will include the provision of off-site larger tree specimens to mitigate the loss of mature trees.
• Decentralised Energy Networks: Safeguarding a route for a future district decentralised energy network connection.
• Legal Costs: A financial contribution to cover the council's legal and monitoring costs.

The decision to grant permission was unanimous. If the Section 106 agreement is not completed by 31 January 2024, the Chief Planning Officer has been delegated authority to refuse planning permission.

The meeting also noted the attendance of Councillor Kandy Dolor as a Reserve Member, replacing Councillor Peymana Assad. No declarations of interest or deputations were received. The committee accepted an addendum to the agenda.