The Campaign for a Better Harrow Environment has a number of concerns about the new planning application (P/0737/15) to redevelop the site of the old post office in College Road, Harrow.

These include the height and appearance of the development, which will have more than 300 flats; its disruptive effect on protected views of the Hill and the disappointingly small amount of much-needed affordable housing. Alongside this and developments such as that in Lyon Road and eventually, Gayton Road, many vacant office blocks are being converted to flats without the need for planning permission or a requirement to make a financial contribution for infrastructure.

Recent bids from King’s House and Queen’s House in Kymberley Road would create more than 450 flats there.

Several other proposed conversions include the conversion of the Harrow and the Cumberland Hotels, which together would yield more than 200 homes.

Could Harrow cope with such a huge town centre population increase?

Everyone is tired of seeing the derelict post office, but a good scheme is surely well worth the wait.

It is vital that all Harrow residents tell Harrow Borough Council what they think now — the deadline for comment is April 8.

We at CBHE are preparing our own detailed comments.

If you would like these sent to you by email, please send your address to: irene@wears.demon. co.uk and I will copy them to you so that you may consider them as you wish in making your own response. If you have not had a letter, do look at the plans, which you can view at Gayton and Wealdstone libraries or online at http://www.harrow.gov.uk/ 51collegeroad.

Irene Wears

On behalf of the Campaign for a Better Harrow Environment