Agenda and minutes

To note the attendance at this meeting of any duly appointed Reserve Members.

RESOLVED:  To note that there were none.

To receive declarations of disclosable pecuniary or non pecuniary interests, arising from business to be transacted at this meeting, from all Members present.

Agenda Item 3 - New Harrow Local Plan – Draft Local Plan

Councillor Stephen Greek and Councillor Asif Hussain declared a non-pecuniary interest in that they both worked for the London Assembly which scrutinised the London Plan, but do not have executive roles.  They would both remain in the room whilst the matter was considered and voted upon.

The Panel received a report on the Draft Harrow Local Plan (Regulation 18 version) and sought Cabinet for approval to consult for eight weeks over February-April 2024.  The report was accompanied by the draft Interim Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA) advice note, and provided the Panel with an update on the Local Plan process.  The report also provided an outline of the proposed consultation arrangements.

Clarification on when would the plan be operational was sought and the Panel was advised that the aim was for the Local Plan adoption by Full Council by the end of 2025. The various stages of the process would determine the weight given to planning applications, with increasing importance as it progressed.

In response to a question as to whether the current SPD’s (Supplementary Planning Documents) would become redundant, or remain in use or undergo changes.  Members were advised that they were expected to remain effective for about 5 years.  However, there would be an impact for a certain period, given recent legislative changes and the Government’s evolving stance on planning regulations might influence the duration of the SPD.

In terms of Garden Protection and the importance of garden grabbing.  The Chair had given an example that within the Local Plan it very much included the policies contained within the SPD’s to give even more protection against inappropriate development. Officers also advised that the Local Plan document was a large policy that incorporated key elements of the Garden Land SPD, and it also aimed to echoed the same for conservation areas and heritage sites.  Officers advised that the new policy document was highlighted as the primary source of policy/protection, especially concerning recent developments like tall buildings and upcoming town centre master plan.

Members indicated that an easy colourful guide outlining the changes from the current Local Plan (that people were used to) and the new Local Plan as the new policy document would be welcomed.

Members requested clarification on the processes as per the report on Page 9, point 4.5, and were advised that this involved inviting stakeholders to propose potential development sites, which would then undergo evaluation based on factors such as viability, acceptability, and deliverability.  These stakeholders were identified by using databases, engaging planning consultants, accessing Land Registry for landowners, and publicising the Local Plan to get stakeholders involved.

With reference to the GLA (Greater London Authority) and how the feedback would work, officers advised that it was currently informal feedback but as part of regulation 18 the Mayor would feedback once he had reviewed the draft plans (including input from the wider GLA) and the formal ‘general conformity’ letter and conclusions would be compiled and feedback of to the Panel mid-2024.

In response to a question as to whether the  50% affordable homes would be an achievable goal, officers advised that 50% was a strategic target, often achievable with the support of grant funding from the Mayor.

The implications of the proposed timeframes for the new Local Plan were raised in the context  ...  view the full minutes text for item 69.