I'd like to point out that in my earlier post I referred to Sadiq Khan in relation to planning applications. The power to overturn Council's decisions without any regard to residents objections applies to ALL LONDON MAYORS, whoever they are and whatever political party they belong to.
I wanted to address changes to the original plans, but after ploughing through endless documents I think it best to refer you to the response to objections from residents by the Agents, Daniel Watney.
This can be accessed at www.harrow.gov.uk/planning - Pavillion, The Ridgeway, North Harrow then scroll down through the hundreds of web objections to - PL Supporting Documents - Covering Letter - Daniel Watney on 23 March 2021. Page 10 onwards being questions from residents and the agents response.
I’d like to address all their replies but will start with a couple today
1. Housing/Medical Facility Need
Looking at new developments in Harrow the target of 8000 units by 2029 seems to be well under way with the Kodak site providing 2000 new homes before you include the Apple Grove site and dozens of developments in central Harrow.
Regarding the brownfield status of the site - if you take away the 250 parking spaces which were never fully utilised the brownfield element is very small. I quote from www.sustainablebuild.co.uk
“Brownfield sites are considered for redevelopment of not only housing and commercial buildings but also as open spaces for recreation, conservation, woodland and other community areas”.
2. Regarding concerns about the density their response is:-
“The density of the proposed scheme is a product of 13 pre-application meetings involving LB Harrow’s Planning Officers and Design Review Panels……………. to ensure minimal impact on surrounding residential properties and neighbouring allotments”
I don’t believe the thousands of residents objections agree do you?
3. Scale, Height and Massing
Regarding the scale and height here are some of their comments:-
Distribution of massing across the site would respond sensitively…..and limit it’s visual impact. Visibility from the surrounding area would be limited, but where seen it would form an attractive addition to views ……. it would sit comfortably alongside lower scale existing development in the local area!
Proposed development would significantly enhance the character of the site and form a positive addition to local views and townscape!
It would appear as an attractive background seen from the park!
Who are they trying to kid - or am I looking at the wrong plan?
Looking at the photo do you think a 7 storey tower block would be a positive addition to local views and townscape?
That’s all folks, until I have the energy to look into the ‘smoke and mirrors’ for tomorrows update.