The Planning Policy Advisory Panel of Harrow Council met on Monday 15 September 2025 to discuss the progress of the New Harrow Local Plan and the designation of Local Areas of Special Character (LASC). The panel recommended that delegated authority be given to the Chief Planning Officer to progress the Local Plan through its examination process and recommended the adoption of three new LASCs.

New Harrow Local Plan 2021-2041 - Update and Next Steps

The Panel received an update on the Examination in Public (EiP) of the Draft Harrow Local Plan. The plan, which has been in preparation for several years, was submitted for examination in February 2025. The EiP process, overseen by an independent Planning Inspector, aims to determine if the plan is legally compliant, sound, and in general conformity with the London Plan. The Panel was informed that a series of hearing sessions had taken place, and the Inspector was considering potential main modifications to the plan. An additional virtual hearing was scheduled for October 2025 to discuss the Council's housing trajectory. The next steps involve finalising proposed modifications, a six-week public consultation on these modifications, and the Inspector's final report. If found sound, the plan can then be adopted by the Council.

During the discussion, councillors sought clarification on various aspects of the plan, including policies related to co-living schemes, housing and employment numbers in the Harrow and Wealdstone Opportunity Area, and the achievability of housing targets for specific site allocations like the Byron Quarter. Concerns were also raised regarding the shift from indicative to minimum housing numbers and modifications to specific site allocations. The Panel discussed car parking policy, its alignment with the London Plan, and the implications of proposed modifications to Green Belt and Metropolitan Open Land policies. It was noted that the plan benefited from submission under transitional arrangements, offering stronger Green Belt protection. The Panel was advised that detailed modifications would be briefed to members before public consultation, following the Inspector's additional hearing. Councillors Henson, Parekh, and Perry wished to be minuted as abstaining from the recommendation to Cabinet.

Resolved to RECOMMEND: to Cabinet that delegated authority be given to the Chief Planning Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning & Regeneration, to continue progressing the draft Plan through the Examination in Public process until it can be considered for adoption by Cabinet and Full Council.

Resolved: That the content of the report, including the next steps of the project, be noted.

Local Areas of Special Character - Outcomes of Consultation on Proposed Areas/Amended Area within Kenton, West Harrow and Pinner

The Panel received a presentation on the outcomes of the consultation for three proposed Local Areas of Special Character (LASC): 1–40 Kenton Park Parade, an extension to the existing West Harrow Village LASC, and 18–40 (even) and 51–63 (odd) West End Lane and 79–81 West End Avenue, Pinner. A LASC is a local heritage designation based on architectural and/or historic interest, requiring areas to demonstrate a higher quality and degree of intactness than elsewhere in the borough.

The consultation, conducted in line with the Council's Statement of Community Involvement, received 55 responses, including from Historic England and the Conservation Area Advisory Committee.

• Pinner: 78% of respondents supported the designation, highlighting the preservation of distinctive character. Objections raised concerns about clarity, potential restrictions, and housing supply. Suggestions were made to extend the area to include West End Avenue, Pinner Memorial Park, West House, Tewkesbury Avenue, Dawlish Drive, and St. Michael's Crescent. Officers noted these suggestions for future review.
• West Harrow: 73% supported the extension, citing Edwardian character and community value. Objections questioned the inclusion of certain houses and potential restrictions. Suggestions for further inclusion included Heath Road, Devonshire Road, Butler Road, and Drury Road. The West Harrow Forum emphasised the need for clearer homeowner guidance and community-led initiatives. Officers advised that existing online resources provided guidance and community groups could seek funding for initiatives.
• Kenton Park Parade: 78% supported designation, recognising architectural interest. Objections included concerns over historical merit and additional planning requirements. Suggestions for wider designation included Stanmore Hill and 380–382 Kenton Road.

Concerns regarding housing supply were deemed not significant, as the proposals would not reduce delivery capacity. Traffic calming requests were referred to Highways. The Panel discussed the demographic profile of respondents, noting that while efforts were made to reach all affected residents, participation levels and demographics were determined by those who chose to respond. Officers clarified that LASC designation does not override permitted development rights but strengthens the consideration of character in planning applications. It was confirmed that consultees and property owners would be informed of the outcome following designation.

RESOLVED: That the Panel considered and commented on the consultation responses for the proposed LASCs and recommended to the Chief Planning Officer (in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regeneration) that the three areas be adopted as Local Areas of Special Character.