Policy information sourced from the Harrow Core Strategy

CS 2 Harrow & Wealdstone

Support the designation of the Harrow and Wealdstone growth corridor as an Intensification Area within the replacement London Plan through the preparation of a joint Area Action Plan covering the Intensification Area.

Work with delivery partners to actively market and promote the Intensification Area as a focus for significant development, growth and investment.

Through the Area Action Plan, identify and allocate sufficient sites to deliver a minimum of 2,800 net new homes over the Plan period, giving further clarity to the mix and density of housing, along with the quantum of other appropriate land uses, to be achieved on individual sites. Particular attention will be paid to scale and form of development on sites at the edge of the Intensification Area, ensuring these achieve effective transition, especially where they neighbour open space or low density suburban residential areas.

All other development within the sub-area but outside of the boundary of the Intensification Area, will be managed in accordance with the overarching principles set out in Core Policy 1.

The Council will consider, through the Area Action Plan for the Harrow & Wealdstone Intensification Area, the consolidation of the Wealdstone Strategic Industrial Location and the local industrial and business use areas (specifically the function and boundary of these designations), taking account of the assessments of industrial land demand and the strategic objectives for the Intensification Area.

Promote consolidation and renewal of the office stock within Harrow town centre through appropriate provisions in the Area Action Plan aimed at improving the quality of the office stock and creating a more buoyant and attractive office market.

Optimise the educational offer within the Intensification Area through partnership working with Harrow College and other education providers.

Sites suitable for major comparison goods retail development, within or as an extension to the primary shopping area in Harrow Metropolitan centre, will be brought forward through the Area Action Plan. Convenience goods retail development, other main town centre uses and key community facilities will be directed to Harrow Metropolitan centre or Wealdstone district centre commensurate with the catchment and function of the centre. Uses that support the development of a diverse evening economy within Harrow Metropolitan centre will be supported, including leisure, cultural and tourism activities, subject to compatibility with the residential environment.

Between Harrow Metropolitan centre and Wealdstone district centre, active commercial frontages will be sought at ground floor level on Station Road to include provision for economic development that is compatible with residential use. Main town centre uses between the centres in Station Road will be limited to re-provision of existing floorspace and extensions not exceeding 200 square metres.

The Area Action Plan will establish a policy framework for tall, landmark buildings within the Intensification Area. Particular attention will be had to identified views, the opportunity to open up new views and vistas from within the Intensification Area, the setting of Harrow on the Hill Area of Special Character and heritage assets.

Subject to feasibility being proven through the Area Action Plan, all major development within the Intensification Area will be expected to contribute to the provision of a district-wide combined heat and power network. Prior to the network being installed or extended, new development will be required to make provision for future connection to the network.

Require all new development to help create coherent public spaces of high quality design, making the environment more attractive to all users, especially pedestrians. A Supplementary Planning Document, focusing on design will be prepared in support of the Area Action Plan.

Accessibility, capacity, environmental and safety improvements at Harrowon-the-Hill Underground Station and Harrow Bus Station will be sought as a priority. Where specific proposals for such improvements come forward, contributions towards delivery will be sought through the Harrow CIL.

Work with the Environment Agency, the GLA and developers to reduce flood risk within Wealdstone town centre and to explore viable and appropriate flood mitigation measures, including the deculverting of the Wealdstone Brook through Kenton Recreation Ground. Proposed site allocations within Wealdstone town centre will be subject to sequential testing through the Area Action Plan, informed by the Level 2 Strategic Flood Risk Assessment.

Proposals for the sustainable enhancement of the public realm within the Intensification Area will be brought forward as part of the Area Action Plan. The proposals will enhance legibility and accessibility to support and encourage walking and cycling across the area. Highway improvements that improve the capacity, reliability and general operating conditions for public transport will be prioritised. Within the town centres, non-residential development of more than local or district catchment will support general car parking provision consistent with London Plan policies and the vitality and viability of the centre. Other development will be expected to provide minimal car parking, consistent with operational requirements and standards for disabled people.

In addition to any requirement for amenity greenspace and play space provision, priority will be given to realising opportunities, where available, to secure additional public open space on site, to reduce the area’s overall levels of deficiencies. Where such opportunities exist, the Council will discuss with the developer whether it is appropriate to forego other contributions or obligations required of the proposal, to secure this opportunity on the individual development site.

In addition to the Harrow CIL and site specific section 106 requirements, all new development within the area will be required, through the securing of planning obligations, to contribute to the funding and implementation of: