A campaign group says possible plans for 2,800 new homes and 3,000 jobs for a town centre “need very careful consideration”.

The comments from the Campaign for a Better Harrow Environment (CBHE) come following the announcement Mayor of London is consulting over plans to make Harrow and Wealdstone a new ‘Opportunity Area’.

The changes propose a target of 2,800 new homes and 3,000 new jobs in Harrow town centre and Wealdstone.

Last week London assembly member for Harrow Navin Shah warned the changes could destroy the character of the area, currently classed as an ‘intensification area’ with an overall target of 1,500 new homes and 2,000 new jobs.

Irene Wears of CBHE said: “We note that Brent Cross and Wembley are also identified in the London Plan as opportunity areas, in particular for further retail development.

“The existing London Designer Outlet at Wembley Park already boasts 70 designer outlets, cafes, restaurants and a nine screen cinema.

“Thus Harrow’s town centre faces very significant competition and it seems unlikely that we could compete meaningfully with either of these centres in terms of the retail offer or ease of parking.

“The future of central Harrow therefore needs very careful consideration.

“We have said before that the existing train and bus stations both need urgent attention.

“In terms of how to attract people here, then a proper theatre, exhibition spaces, excellent restaurants, cinemas and other facilities such as winter open air skating, a Christmas market and an excellent regular market need to be up for serious consideration.

“At the very least Harrow must now press very hard for a share of central funding that is much greater than we have at present.”