North Harrow Local Development Order

Public Consultation - 19 January - 24 February 2012

Supporting local shopping centres and businesses is one of Harrow Council's top priorities. To tackle high business vacancy rates in North Harrow, and create a more vibrant area that attracts new business, the Council is proposing to create a Local Development Order (LDO) for parts of the shopping district.

Download the LDO documents, and find out how to have your say

What is an LDO?

A Local Development Order is a new type of planning mechanism, which enables council's to loosen planning regulations and make it easier for vacant premises to be used for new purposes, eg allowing a vacant unit to become a shop, cafe or restaurant without the need for a planning application.

Why Make an LDO in North Harrow?

The Council is considering the innovative idea to make the planning process more flexible and responsive to help combat the long term high level of shop vacancy in this area.

What is the LDO hoping to achieve?

The aim is to support the vitality of the shopping area by allowing flexible uses of existing and vacant premises in parts of the town centre, and to attract more start up businesses.

What would the LDO Permit?

Within designated parts of North Harrow (see map) the LDO would grant planning permission for changes of use of ground floor premises from the Current use to the following:

• A1: Shops
• A2: Financial and Professional Services
• A3: Restaurants and Cafes
• B1 (a) as an office other than a use within A2 (financial and professional services)
• D1: Non-residential institutions specifically; health centres, day nurseries, public halls and non-residential education and training centres (subject to a maximum of 150 square metres)

It will not permit changes of use to:

• A4 Drinking Establishments
• A5 Hot Food Takeaways

The LDO would cover:

• 34 to 70 and 51 to 87 Station Road
• 340 to 378, 435 and 547 to 555 Pinner Road

How long does it last for?

The proposed LDO would last for three years although the Council could extend, replace or remove it. The uses that have taken place during the lifetime of the LDO will be allowed to continue, but no further changes of use would be allowed without planning permission.

How will people and and businesses nearby be protected?

Local amenities will continue to be protected through licensing regulations and the need for planning permission for external flues,vents, and other other forms of development. It is proposed that as a condition of the LDO, the size of some uses and hours will be controlled to ensure they do not have a harmful impact on people living nearby.