The Harrow Planning Committee granted permission for a major redevelopment of the former Harrow Civic Centre site, known as Poet's Corner, subject to a legal agreement. The committee also approved several other planning applications, including extensions to Pinner Cricket Club and temporary classrooms at Harrow College, and new vehicle access at Bentley Wood High School.

Poet's Corner Redevelopment Approved Subject to Legal Agreement

The Planning Committee granted permission for the phased demolition of the former Harrow Civic Centre and the construction of up to 1,058 new homes, alongside commercial and community spaces, on the Poet's Corner site. The development, which includes 192 affordable homes (20.65% by habitable room) and a significant amount of public open space, was approved subject to the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement covering various obligations, including affordable housing, infrastructure contributions, and design standards. The decision was made by a majority vote, with some councillors abstaining.

The approved development will consist of apartment blocks and townhouses, with building heights ranging from 3 to 15 storeys. The detailed planning application for Phase 1 includes 530 homes, a mix of Build to Rent (BTR) and London Living Rent (LLR) units, along with 134 sqm of non-residential floorspace. The outline application for Phases 2 and 3 allows for up to 528 additional homes and a minimum of 1,116 sqm of non-residential floorspace.

Key aspects of the Section 106 agreement will include:

• Affordable Housing: Securing the handover and standards for affordable housing, with early, mid, and late-stage viability reviews. The affordable housing will be provided at London Living Rent levels.
• Build to Rent (BTR) Covenant: Homes will be held as BTR for at least 15 years, with a clawback mechanism to prevent early sale.
• Infrastructure Contributions: Contributions towards highways works, including parking permit restrictions, CPZ reviews, and improvements to Milton Road and Station Road. Financial contributions are also to be made towards cycle routes, travel plans, and public art.
• Sustainability: A carbon offset contribution and a commitment to 'Be Seen' energy monitoring.
• Training and Employment: A Training and Recruitment Plan, provision of apprenticeships, and a Local Procurement Plan to benefit local businesses.
• Biodiversity Net Gain: A Biodiversity Net Gain Plan to ensure a minimum 10% increase in biodiversity value.
• Safeguarding of Non-Residential Floorspace: Priority for NHS, community space, and commercial uses in Phases 2 and 3.

During the debate, concerns were raised by Councillor Nitin Parekh regarding the number of affordable homes, the 15-year BTR covenant, and the loss of civic use without immediate replacement. Councillor Ghazanfar Ali questioned parking provisions, construction impacts, and building heights, while Councillor Zak Wagman sought clarification on NHS space provision and fire safety standards. An objector, Mrs Harsha Trivedi, expressed concerns about inadequate consultation, drainage issues, and the affordability of the proposed housing. The agent, Charles Scott, highlighted the transformative landscape-led regeneration, the delivery of affordable homes, and the creation of new public spaces.

The committee also discussed the potential impact on local infrastructure, including GP services and dental care, with councillors urging the council to encourage local GPs to utilise the offered commercial space. The car-free nature of the development was also debated, with some councillors expressing frustration over the lack of parking options for residents in outer London.

Ultimately, the committee voted to grant permission, acknowledging the significant housing delivery and public benefits, while ensuring that key issues are addressed through the Section 106 agreement and planning conditions.

Other Planning Applications Approved

The committee also granted permission for:

• Pinner Cricket Club, Montesole Playing Fields, Grimsdyke Road, HA5 3SA (PL/0501/25): Extension to the cricket lane net facility to create a four-lane net facility.
• Harrow College, Brookshill, Harrow Weald, HA3 6RR (PL/1557/25): Installation of a two-storey Portakabin building to provide classrooms and office space for a temporary period of 5 years.
• Bentley Wood High School, Binyon Crescent, HA7 3NA (PL/0882/24): Creation of a vehicle access and drop-off area, staff car parking (16 bays), cycle storage, and associated infrastructure.

The meeting concluded at 7:39 pm.