Harrow Council Top 5 Planning Issues

Whether a challenge, hassle, or obstacle, planning regulations often prove to be one of the most daunting undertakings for individuals, especially in the vein of Harrow, where local councils have their own rather complicated set of guidelines and challenges. It does not matter whether it is just a home extension space or a loft conversion; the main issue is to identify the common planning issues and help the applicant obtain the best results possible. Our services at Yoop Architects are tailored toward solving all these issues, with inclusion of making your project compliant.

Planning a home renovation in Harrow?

While it’s exciting to envision your dream home, navigating the planning process can often feel overwhelming. Local regulations and planning policies, especially in Harrow Council, can present challenges that might delay your project. 

By understanding the key planning issues, you can proactively manage them and move towards your renovation goals with confidence.

Below, we explore the top five planning concerns homeowners face and how to navigate them based on UK planning regulations:

• Permitted Development Rights (PDRs)
  Under UK law, certain home improvements don’t require full planning permission. However, even with PDRs, there are limitations on the size, height, and location of your project. In Harrow, extensions cannot extend more than 6 metres for terraced houses or 8 metres for detached homes. Always check the limitations set by the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 to ensure compliance.

• Neighbour Objections
  Even if your project meets planning regulations, your neighbours can still raise objections. Common concerns include loss of light, privacy, or disruption during construction. Engaging with your neighbours early and considering their concerns in your designs can help mitigate potential objections.

• Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings
  Parts of Harrow fall under conservation areas, where stricter planning rules apply to preserve local heritage. If you live in such an area, you’ll likely need full planning permission for even minor changes. The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 protects buildings and areas of special architectural or historical interest. Always check if your property falls within these zones.

• Building Heights and Overlooking
  Loft conversions or two-storey extensions can raise concerns about overlooking or overshadowing neighbouring properties. The UK’s Right to Light Act 1959 protects neighbours’ rights to receive adequate daylight. It’s vital to ensure your design respects privacy and doesn’t block natural light to surrounding homes.

By being aware of these planning issues, you can navigate the Harrow Council planning process with greater ease, reducing delays and ensuring your project complies with local and national regulations.

Planning and Size of Extensions 

All extensions and loft conversions must be well scaled down to the property itself and complement the surrounding area. Harrow Council places a very strong emphasis on the aesthetic harmony of neighborhoods.

Typical Reason for Refusal: Extensions that are too large or out of character with other buildings or poorly designed.

What We Do: Our team makes sure that your extension or loft conversion will suit the existing property and comply with Harrow’s design principles.

Restriction on Allowed Developments 

That is to say, the use of permitted development rights, where modifications to buildings can be carried out without requiring this type of permission, may be restricted in particular parts of Harrow, particularly conservation areas. 

Common Problem: The homeowner thinks that such works fall into permitted development, but in fact, planning permission is required. 

How We Help: Advising on a property leading to confirmation of whether works would be permitted development or if a full application is necessary. 

These are the top issues with planning applications at Harrow Council.

Harrow Council is quite a bureaucratic council. This means they do everything very correctly and its hard to find actual fault. That said they seem to serve the rules and the process to the damage of the constituent. They typically do not like to discuss things with Agents (Architects). Perhaps talking costs money. Experience has shown that Harrow Council is fine with 3 or more applications on house. Other councils would just have a chat and sort what can be done. Harrow Council is agreed by most Agents and Planning Consultants to be a common sense free zone.

Our advice is for Harrow Council, get a local Architect that has worked in the Borough for many a year and knows all the characters and culture that is Harrow Council.

5. Double Side Extension

Historically houses have been extended over time. Each owner does a bit. So there comes a point when all the easy ones are done. But you want just a bit more space. The space at the side of the house, maybe over the garage looks tempting. Harrow Council only have policy covering things that people want to do. So if there is no demand for double side extensions then no much policy. But now demand is on the rise. Policy rises to match. As such Harrow would rather you not build in the gaps between houses. It turns what can be a very nice road with semis and detached houses into looking quite terraced.

Good advice should be sought. You can achieve these extensions but they should be set back from the front and extending to the boundary can be challenging.

Review the Harrow Residential Design Guide

4. Flood Risk

Anything to do with Flood Risk or drainage and you are in for a ride with Harrow Council. They have they own surface water flood risk maps, so even if The Environmental Agency website shows that your in a Flood Zone 1 (Limited Risk) you still may have to enter into complicated flood analysis by a specialist. Any water attenuation or soak-away type requirements will also be met with complication. Flood risk and surface water flooding is an important topic and needs to be addressed but Harrow are not there to help.

Need Flood Risk Help? they sort our Harrow Applications

Environment Agency – Check Your Flood Risk

3. Double Rear

Design plays a big part of this type of application. When you design and double rear its going to interface/ join with the existing roof (unless its a town house). You can have a flat roof at ground floor but not above that. So you then have to design a roof that works with the existing roof. Also the extension needs not to prejudice your neighbours. A 45 deg rule will be used to access this.

Now we know Harrow is not very chatty so getting this equation right can be challenging.

2. Green Belt

Overzealous is the word for this topic. The way Harrow implement the Green Belt Policy is very rigid. Normal houses on normal streets can be in the Green Belt. They get treated the same way as out in the open countryside. We have had scenarios where we just wanted to add an ensuite at first floor and it was an impact to the openness to the green belt, all this on a normal street where you can not see the any openness. We know the Green Belt Act is important, so if you are buying a house in Harrow Council and in Green Belt, get some very good advice if you want to extend it.

Check your post code on the interactive Green Belt Map

1. 6m or 8m Larger Residential Extensions in Harrow Council

Harrow Council and many councils for that matter do not like these. The Team Leaders are very adept at blocking these types of extensions. Im sure they are looking forward to May 2019 when they will not longer be available. Also you have to had completed the works by then, yes completed. So if you can get your three adjacent neighbours not to object. Harrow Council will be looking to block it from other angles. Make sure your application is water tight.

If you live next door and not thrilled about a huge extension next door, especially if they have not talked to you about it. You just object and it will not go ahead. (larger Residential Extension scheme only)

Information on Larger Residential Extensions

Moving Forward with Confidence: Resources and Next Steps

While these top 5 planning issues might seem daunting, there are resources and steps you can take to approach your Harrow home improvement project with confidence:

• Harrow Council Planning Portal: This online resource provides valuable information on permitted development allowances, local planning policies, and the planning application process.
• Consulting a Chartered Architect or Architectural Technologist: A qualified professional can advise on the feasibility of your project under permitted development or guide you through the planning application process.
• Pre-Application Enquiry Service: Harrow Council offers a pre-application enquiry service where you can discuss your project with a planning officer for initial guidance.

By understanding the top planning issues and utilizing the available resources, you can transform your Harrow home renovation or extension dreams into a reality.

Building Success: The Final Note on Harrow Planning

Harrow offers a wonderful environment to live, and making improvements to your home can significantly enhance your comfort and enjoyment. While navigating the planning process can have its complexities, understanding the top 5 planning issues empowers you to approach your project strategically.

Remember, respecting the architectural character of the borough, considering parking and access needs, maximizing space within permitted development limitations, maintaining good relations with neighbours, and familiarizing yourself with local planning policies are all crucial for a smooth planning journey.

Harrow Council’s resources and professional guidance from qualified architects or architectural technologists are valuable tools at your disposal. With the right information and support, you can successfully navigate the planning process and transform your Harrow home improvement vision into a reality. So, start planning, and watch your dream home renovation or extension blossom in the heart of Harrow!

What makes Yoop Architects the best option?

• Yoop Architects provides homeowners in Harrow with a simplified planning process by:
• Listing all the possible planning problems after carrying out a thorough site survey.
• Designing concepts balancing the dream vision and council requirements.
• Facilitating and submitting your planning application for easier approval.

Are you ready to begin?

Don’t let planning issues keep delaying your dream project. Get in touch with Yoop Architects now for professional advice and customized solutions to get your project the go-ahead from Harrow Council.