Decision details

Local Areas of Special Character (LASC) - recommendation to designate two areas following consultation

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Decisions:

RESOLVED:  That

 

(1)            the consultation responses on the two proposed ‘Local Areas of Special Character’ summarised in section 5 and at Appendix 1 of the officer report, be noted;

 

(2)            the Planning Policy Advisory Panel’s considerations as set out in paragraph 6.18 and Appendix 3 of the officer report, be noted; and

 

(3)            the areas shown in Appendix 2 of the officer report, namely: in West Harrow: 3-29 (odd) and 2-40 (even), Butler Avenue and 2-26 (even) 1-33 (odd), Lance Road and West Harrow Recreation Ground, and in Pinner: 1 and 3 - 40 (all) West End Avenue, 1-38 (all) Meadow Road and 24-38 (even) Eastcote Road be designated as Local Areas of Special Character (LASC).

 

Reason for Decision:  Harrow benefited from an exceptionally diverse historic environment.  It included conservation areas designated under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as ‘areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it was desirable to preserve or enhance’.  The National Planning Policy Framework [NPPF] cautions against ‘the concept of conservation not [being] devalued through the designation of areas that lack special interest’.  At the same time the NPPF and Historic England’s national guidance recognised the importance and necessity of identifying and maintaining up to date records of the significance of local heritage assets.  There were many local areas in Harrow that might not meet the strict criteria for conservation area status but had local heritage interest.  Accordingly, this report proposed the designation of two LASCs.  These proposed designations were parallel to the existing local designations of locally listed buildings and locally listed parks and gardens in Harrow for those buildings and areas that did not meet the strict criteria for national heritage designation.  The local consultation undertaken was in accordance with national best practice.

Report author: Emma Talbot

Publication date: 15/11/2024

Date of decision: 14/11/2024

Decided at meeting: 14/11/2024 - Cabinet

Effective from: 23/11/2024

Accompanying Documents: