The Planning Policy Advisory Panel of Harrow Council met on Wednesday 17 July 2024 to discuss the progress of the New Harrow Local Plan and to receive an update on the consultation process. The meeting focused on the feedback received from the Regulation 18 consultation and outlined the next steps in the plan's development.

New Harrow Local Plan

The Panel received an update on the New Harrow Local Plan, which is intended to replace the existing planning documents adopted in 2012 and 2013. The report presented an overview of the Regulation 18 consultation, which took place between 26 February and 25 April 2024. This consultation aimed to gather feedback on the initial proposals for the Local Plan, which will cover the period from 2021 to 2041.

The consultation process involved a wide range of engagement activities, including writing to stakeholders on the Council's Local Plan consultation database, making documents available online and in libraries, erecting display columns with information, placing advertisements in the Harrow Times newspaper, and publishing an article in Harrow People magazine. Additionally, leaflets were distributed at events, and social media was used to promote the consultation. Various methods for responding were provided, including an online questionnaire with a visual Storymap, quick polls, and face-to-face events such as street events and drop-in sessions at the Conversation Café.

A total of 136 questionnaires were submitted via the Urban Intelligence platform, along with 116 other non-statutory responses, 30 from Statutory Consultees, and three petitions signed by 220 individuals. The consultation also generated 45 questions via Engagement HQ and participation in three quick polls, as well as comments at street events and the Conversation Café.

The feedback received indicated general support for the progress on the new Local Plan. However, several concerns were raised by the public and stakeholders. These included issues related to infrastructure, such as the adequacy of healthcare facilities, schools, and parking, as well as housing affordability and the perceived impact of tall buildings. Specific local area concerns were also highlighted, including litter, the decline of high street offerings, and the character of neighbourhoods. There was also support for environmental policies, green infrastructure, and biodiversity net gain.

The report noted that while the Regulation 18 consultation did not propose site allocations or changes to the Green Belt, response levels were considered reasonably good compared to previous consultations in London. It was anticipated that response levels would be significantly higher at the Regulation 19 stage, when site allocations are introduced.

The Panel was asked to note the Regulation 18 Consultation and Engagement Feedback report, that further engagement with stakeholders would continue through to the Regulation 19 stage, and to note the update on the Local Plan process and next steps.

The report also detailed the Call for Sites exercise, which invited landowners and developers to submit sites for potential allocation in the new Local Plan. A total of 41 sites were submitted and are currently being reviewed. The report highlighted a potential shortfall of around 1,200 homes towards the latter part of the plan period, underscoring the importance of identifying sufficient sites.

The next steps involve officers reviewing the detailed comments received and providing suggested responses, including proposed changes to the emerging Local Plan. These will form part of a full Report of Consultation to be presented before the Regulation 19 consultation. The report also outlined the evidence base studies and supporting documents that need to be completed or updated to ensure the plan's soundness for examination by the Planning Inspectorate. These include a Views Assessment, Whole Plan Viability Assessment, Transport data/modelling, Strategic Flood Risk Assessment, Infrastructure Delivery Plan (part 2), Housing delivery monitoring, Open Space update, Biodiversity Net Gain assessment, and a Burial space strategy. An Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA), which includes an Equalities Impact Assessment and a Habitats Regulations Assessment, will also be prepared.

The report mentioned that Kings Counsel, Saira Kabir Sheikh KC, has been appointed to assist the Council throughout the Local Plan process. Despite some initial slippage in the Local Development Scheme (LDS) due to staffing shortages, it is anticipated that the original target adoption date of December 2025 can still be met. The key upcoming stages include Regulation 19 Consultation (November-December 2024), Regulation 22 Submission (March 2025), Examination/Hearings/Modifications (March-November 2025), and Regulation 26 Adoption (December 2025). The report also noted that as the draft Local Plan progresses, greater weight can be given to its draft policies when determining planning applications.

The meeting also included standard procedural items such as the appointment of a Vice-Chair, noting attendance by Reserve Members, and receiving declarations of interest. No public questions, petitions, or deputations were received.