Character and Appearance of the Area. The London Plan (2011) policies 7.4B and 7.6B set out the design principles that all boroughs should seek to ensure for all development proposals. The London Plan (2011) policy 7.4B states, inter alia, that all development proposals should have regard to the local context, contribute to a positive relationship between the urban landscape and natural features, be human in scale, make a positive contribution and should be informed by the historic environment. The London Plan (2011) policy 7.6B states, inter alia, that all development proposals should; be of the highest architectural quality, which complement the local architectural character and be of an appropriate proportion composition, scale and orientation. Core Policy CS(B) states that ‘All development shall respond positively to the local and historic context in terms of design, siting, density and spacing, reinforce the positive attributes of local distinctiveness whilst promoting innovative design and/or enhancing areas of poor design.’ Saved policy D4 of the Harrow UDP reinforces the principles set out under The London Plan (2011) policies 7.4B and 7.6B and seeks a high standard of design and layout in all development proposals. It goes on to state, amongst other things, that developments should contribute to the creation of a positive identity through the quality of building layout and design, should be designed to complement their surroundings, and should have a satisfactory relationship with adjoining buildings and spaces. Relationship with adjacent properties and the local area As outlined previously, the Xxxxxxx school site is entirely enclosed and as such has no public frontage. The site is accessed via a long narrow driveway from the main entrance gates in The Gardens. The eastern corner of the proposed new two storey building would be sited some 57 metres from this entrance and as such the visibility of the structure would be extremely limited from this public vantage point. Therefore, the proposal would have a very limited impact on the character and appearance of the surrounding area from public viewing points. The existing infant block which is located centrally in the site would be retained and remodelled with minor alterations described above and this would be linked to the proposed new two storey junior school building. This would provide cohesion and close proximity between the two buildings and shared facilities. The sports pitches and play spaces would be reconfigured towards the s...
Character and Appearance of the Area. Policy CS1.B of the Harrow Core Strategy (2012), policies 7.4 and 7.6 of The London Plan (2011) and saved policy D4 of the Harrow Unitary Development Plan (2004) require that new development should have a high standard of design and layout and should complement the context in which it is located. The application site is an area in which no one architectural style prevails. The application proposes a building that would have the appearance of two linked two- storey buildings with accommodation in the roofspace arranged such that the building line reflects the curve in Headstone Lane fronting the site. The proposed development would not be higher than surrounding properties, and each of the two substantive elements would be of a scale and bulk that is commensurate with development in the area. The building lines of the structure have been designed to reflect the curve in the road and adjoining properties at 252-254 and 242-000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxx such that the proposal would not result in an unduly prominent feature in this location. The proposal does introduce some features that are not prevalent in the area such as front and side dormers, and the link feature between the two full-height elements. This is not fully in accordance with advice given by officers at the pre-application stage, which expressed a preference for two self-contained blocks. However, it is noted that the central link would be a subservient feature compared to the two full-height sections. This would serve to break up the overall bulk of the building, and the angling of the two sections would further mitigate the appearance of bulk and addresses the pattern of development in the area. Outline details, but no samples, of the proposed materials for the development have been supplied, although the application form states that the walls would be facing brickwork and three-course contrasting brick band with tiling on the roof. It is therefore recommended that this be addressed by way of a suitable condition to ensure that the materials used on all external surfaces respect those of adjacent properties and would be appropriate in this location. The submitted drawings show some indicative landscaping and boundary treatments. Policy 5.10 of The London Plan and saved policy D9 of the Harrow Unitary Development Plan require new developments to enhance forecourt greenery and streetside greenness. Therefore, suitable landscaping conditions for the whole of the site are recommended. It is noted that the ...
