At the Harrow Council September Cabinet Meeting Conservative Councillors agreed new planning policies which will help protect our suburbs from inappropriate developments.

The Council will create Local Areas of Special Character (LASC) which will affect several neighbourhoods across Harrow. Any proposed development within these designated neighbourhoods can now be scrutinised considering its impact on the historic character of the area.

This will strengthen the Council’s ability to refuse inappropriate planning applications which do not fit in with our low-rise suburbs leafy character.

Unlike a Conservation Area, an LASC will not mean that residents must submit extra planning applications to carry out minor works to their homes.

Cllr Marilyn Ashton, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member responsible for Planning & Regeneration said:

“Some parts of Harrow have really striking townscape, architecture and landscaping. They add to Harrow’s local heritage.

The LASC designation of an area will ensure we can protect against development which is inappropriate and out of character, maintaining the unique historical local character of areas or neighbourhoods within Harrow which residents cherish and value.”