Policy information sourced from the Harrow and Wealdstone Area Action Plan

AAP16: Supporting the Service Sector in Harrow Town Centre

Major new office, leisure, hotel and community development on sites within Harrow town centre will be supported where the proposal:

  • Is consistent with other relevant policies in this Area Action Plan;
  • Contributes to the delivery of the objectives of the Harrow Core Strategy; and
  • Is conducive with the residential environment within and surrounding the town centre.

Proposals that conflict with the above considerations will be refused.

Major mixed-use redevelopment or change of use of existing offices of 1,000 sq m or more of floorspace within Harrow town centre will be supported where the proposal provides viable, new office floorspace at least equivalent in potential employment yield to the existing office floorspace.

Minor proposals for the redevelopment or change of use of offices of less than 1,000 sq m of floorspace within Harrow town centre will be permitted where:

  • The building is no longer fit for office occupation having regard to the age and condition of the building, potential for refurbishment and the needs of potential occupiers in the local office market;
  • The office vacancy rate in Harrow Town Centre has exceeded 20% for a continuous period of at least 12 months;
  • The office space has been appropriately marketed for a period of at least 12 months without success; and
  • The proposal contributes to the continued vitality and viability of the Metropolitan centre.

For more information please see the Area Action Plan