Introduction

'The Greater London Authority has calculated that there is a 20,000 shortfall of family-sized homes across the city, while 290,000 children live in overcrowded conditions in London' - BBC 1 Programme 'Evicted' November 2006.

'We currently have 1,142 households in temporary accommodation in Harrow, of which 972 are families with children ... there is an annual net requirement for 1,770 units of affordable housing' - Harrow Housing Strategy Department, June 2006.

The new vision for St George's Field, Headstone aims to provide much needed homes, a new building able to accommodate the 1st Headstone Scouts, and a more accessible green open space. Proposals have been prepared on behalf of St George's Parochial Church Council (PCC) to make best use of unused, private land, to provide benefits for the local community, to create an attractive residential area, and to ensure the future of the Church's valuable facilities and activities.

St George's Field is approximately 1.4 hectares (3.5 acres) of private land, including the 1st Headstone Scout headquarters, which is owned by the Church. About two thirds of the land is allocated as private open space in the Borough Unitary Development Plan with the remaining third, the former tennis courts, being unallocated. The land was purchased by the PCC for the use of St George's Church but in recent times has fallen largely out of use as other recreational facilities in the area have improved and lifestyles have changed. The land is now proving a financial burden for the Church and it has also become a focus for anti-social behaviour. In addition, the Grade II listed church hall, which is intensively used by community and educational groups, requires work estimated to cost in excess of £500,000 for repair, upgrade and full disabled access. The Grade II listed church building, used for a range of cultural and social activities, as well as worship, has outstanding repairs estimated at £150,000. Funds generated by the development will enable these works to be carried out.

Community Consultation

Initial proposals were drawn up following discussion with local stakeholders, including local residents. A Community Planning Day held in March 2006 was attended by more than 120 people and an exhibition in September 2006 of the emerging proposals attracted around 150. A number of people came to express their total opposition to any housing development, preferring instead to see the field used solely for recreational purposes. Others, however, expressed an appreciation that the Church is legally bound to make best use of its assets, and wanted to see a balanced approach that would include a range of housing, some retained open space, and a new community building working in tandem with the church hall and church building to provide an improved community hub for Headstone.

The Initial Scheme Comprised

- Attractive development in keeping with the local area and enhancing existing community amenities

- A range of houses and appartments (50 in total) including 50% affordable housing

- Over 0.2 hectares (0.5 acres) of open space

- A new community building able to accomodate the 1st Headstone Scouts

- A new pedestrian access linking Churchfield Close with Pinner View

-  Improved access to, and parking for, the church hall

First Planning Application

The initial proposals (ref P/3626/06) were submitted to Harrow Council as an outline planning application on 20 December 2006 and were rejected at a Planning Committee Meeting on 18 April 2007.

Revised Planning Application and Appeal 

A revised planning application (ref P/2569/07), taking into account the reasons given for refusal in April, together with subsequent advice from the Harrow Council Planning Department, was submitted in August 2007. All the housing in this scheme is situated on land unallocated in the Borough UDP or land which has never been used for sport. The number of units is reduced from 50 to 27, 50% affordable, and the large majority of designated open space is retained.  

The funds generated by the development would ensure the long-term future of the Church buildings which are used for a wide range of community, educational and cultural activities.

The revised application was refused under delegated powers on 21 November 2007, and an appeal on behalf of the PCC was received by the Planning Inspectorate on 20 May 2008.