I am writing to convey concerns of not only local residents but people throughout the borough who are alarmed at the scale of large developments in Harrow.   People who moved here for more quality of life are stunned as to how this once ‘leafy borough’ is becoming an urban jungle, due to construction on any strip of land or green space.  

There is huge opposition to the re-development of the Harrow Gospel Hall Trust (HGHT) land at 265 The Ridgeway, North Harrow.  The covenant on this site is being overturned to allow the Exclusive Brethren to profit hugely from the sale.  This plot was purchased at the D1 rate which, if it remained, would not have the same high price tag or developer appeal.

There are over 2000 names on a petition to oppose the development.  Feelings among residents is that this is an underhand “done deal” due to ten meetings which took place between the Council and Brethren before anyone in the district became aware of the plan.

The proposed plans on Harrow’s website are time consuming to open, extremely difficult to understand and confusing.   Notifications sent to ‘interested parties’ had an incorrect planning application number, different dates on local notices and the planning portal not working when residents tried to access information, further adding to feelings of distrust.

The HGHT appear confident of getting the scheme passed as they have merely tweaked the number of dwellings.  A revised application shows no significant changes to address public concerns of the overbearing height of blocks, dangers of access to pedestrians and car users, parking space provision on site and problems with overspill parking in nearby streets. This development is completely out of character with the area and destroys a significant amount of ‘green space’ which is at odds to safeguarding the environment. 

There are already a large number of flats lying empty in Harrow which will now be difficult to rent or sell as predictions of unemployment grow.  One effect of the Covid-19 pandemic is that many employees will be working from home in future making accommodation within commuting distance to Central London an unnecessary requirement.   Councils should not be rushing through more huge developments until they know if this is the case.

It is important to note that Harrow/Brent is one of the most ethnically diverse areas in London and in the highest range for Coronavirus deaths.  There is a correlation with population density and BAME and Harrow Council should seriously reconsider its density strategy long term to avoid a situation like this in the future.

For these reasons we ask for a public consultation and consideration of this development plan be delayed until people can see full scale drawings of the plans and make their concerns not only heard, but listened to.