Key Points
- Proposal to demolish former Iceland store in Harrow, North London.
- Development by SRH Estates Limited, site located at 368-372 Station Road.
- Plan includes three blocks of flats ranging from three to nine storeys.
- Total of 63 new residential flats to be built.
- More than 1,200 square metres of commercial space planned.
- Commercial uses expected to include shops, gyms, and medical services.
- The development would be car-free.
- No affordable housing will be delivered as part of the proposals.
- Local council officers have described the project as “a welcome boost” to the borough’s housing stock.
What is the plan for the former Iceland store site in Harrow?
As reported by Easton James of MyLondon News, developers SRH Estates Limited have submitted an application to redevelop the Greenhill site at 368-372 Station Road, Harrow, North London. The existing property is a single-storey commercial building, which was previously an Iceland store before being occupied by a banquet hall catering company. The site also includes an adjacent car park.
The redevelopment plans involve demolishing the current structures to make way for three new residential and commercial blocks. The proposed buildings would vary in height from three to nine storeys. The total new residential accommodation would provide 63 flats.
Additionally, the redevelopment includes over 1,200 square metres of commercial floor space intended for businesses such as retail shops, gyms, and medical service providers.
Will the development include affordable housing?
According to council planning documents reviewed by MyLondon, the proposed scheme will not deliver any affordable housing. This aspect has attracted attention given the borough’s ongoing demand for affordable housing options.
Council officers, however, have described the development as “a welcome boost” to the housing stock in Harrow, despite the absence of affordable units. The officers emphasised the positive impact the project would have on increasing the overall supply of homes in the area.
What is the significance of the development for Harrow borough?
The plan comes amid a broader context of housing shortages and increasing population pressures within London boroughs, including Harrow. Many local authorities encourage the redevelopment of underused or vacant commercial sites to provide additional residential accommodation.
As reported by Sarah Thompson of the Evening Standard, projects like this one contribute to meeting housing demand, but the lack of affordable housing raises concerns about inclusivity and accessibility for lower-income residents.
Harrow council has yet to make a final decision on the application. When approved, the development would bring substantial commercial amenities alongside the housing, potentially increasing local job opportunities and services.
What are the details regarding the commercial space in the plan?
The submitted plans indicate that the ground floor and some other areas in the development will accommodate more than 1,200 square metres of commercial space. This space is intended to be mixed-use, featuring shops, gyms, and medical service facilities.
This kind of mixed-use development aligns with modern urban planning trends that seek to integrate residential and commercial functions to create vibrant, multi-purpose neighbourhoods.
Why is the development described as ‘car-free’ and what might this mean?
The planners have designed the scheme as a ‘car-free’ development, meaning it will not provide parking spaces for residents. This approach encourages the use of public transport, walking, and cycling.
Given Harrow’s existing public transport infrastructure and the site’s proximity to local amenities, the developers and council officers believe a car-free approach is viable and will help reduce traffic congestion and environmental impacts.
What are the next steps for the redevelopment application?
As reported by Easton James of MyLondon, the planning application submitted by SRH Estates Limited is currently under review by Harrow Council’s planning committee. The local community and councillors will have the opportunity to comment on the proposals before a final decision is made.
Planning officials will consider factors such as the architectural design, impact on local infrastructure, housing needs, and environmental concerns.
If approved, the development could progress to construction, expected to transform the site from an outdated commercial building to a modern mixed-use residential and commercial hub.
