North London development plans with 149 homes resubmitted with no affordable housing

A North London redevelopment has taken a step forward after plans to build new homes on the site of the old driving school were resubmitted. The project for the council-owned site, which has been left empty for more than 20 years, has previously been criticised over claims it 'doesn’t meet its own affordable housing targets'.

Harrow Council’s Cabinet approved the development at a meeting back in January this year. It was then consulted on with the public and reshaped before a formal planning application was submitted more recently.

A joint venture alongside property developers Wates, the project aims to deliver affordable homes, alongside green and public spaces at two sites - the former driving school, named Byron Quarter, and the council’s old headquarters at the Civic Centre on Station Road.

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Documents reveal plans to build 149 new homes on the vacant site, situated near the leisure centre, alongside play spaces and cycling links to both the Belmont Trail and Byron Park. Following discussions with residents earlier in the year, the low-rise development had its height reduced to better integrate with the character of the neighbourhood.

The 149 new homes will comprise two and three-storey houses, with an increased number of family-sized units to meet the need in the borough - including 71 three-bedroom homes. However, the development will deliver just 27 per cent affordable housing - falling below the council's 40 per cent target.

At a Cabinet meeting earlier this year (March 14), resident Charlotte Woodbridge questioned why the council allowed developers to build on council land, or land that has been sold by the council, that fails to meet this target.

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration, Cllr Ashton Ashton, responded by saying that Wates 'are not a benevolent society' for the council and they 'have to make things viable'.

She added: "It's quite expensive for developers to build affordable homes and the danger is if we go too far [...] we end up not building anything. If something isn't viable then we get zero per cent affordable homes. To get spades in the ground you have to make something viable.”

The council claims the project will contribute to an ‘era of growth and development’ and help foster a ‘vibrant and inclusive’ community in the borough. Construction work is expected to start on-site in mid 2025, subject to planning approval, with the first residents anticipated to move into new homes by autumn 2026.

Cllr Ashton, said: “This submission marks an exciting milestone in our partnership with Wates and our regeneration plans for Harrow. Byron Quarter will deliver much needed new, and affordable homes with open and green spaces where Harrow people want to live.”

Development Director at Wates Residential, Leigh Johnson, said: "We’re delighted that the submission of the Byron Quarter planning application marks a significant milestone for the Partnership with the London Borough of Harrow. We’d like to thank the local community for their feedback resulting in proposals that were created with and for local residents.”

He added: “We strongly believe that the proposals will greatly improve the quality of life for local people and families providing wonderful new energy efficient homes, and public spaces”.

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