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Bell Cornwell Projects
Redevelopment of Vacant Employment Land -
Biro
Works, Stanley Road, South Harrow
Client: Barratt Homes Ltd
Architects: Hester Architects Ltd
Local Authority: London Borough of Harrow
Bell Cornwell successfully obtained planning permission for the
redevelopment of the former Biro Works factory and offices and
adjacent land for a mixed use development. The site also comprised
vacant land to the rear of the site and 11 railway arches under the
viaduct of the Piccadilly line. The development incorporated 180
flats, office floorspace and units within the arches for a range of
occupiers including retail, business and community facilities. The
area between the arches and the residential development was designed
as a wide pedestrian thoroughfare to replace a narrow poorly lit
public footpath to the rear of the viaduct and increase the
permeability and vitality of the surrounding area.
A Unitary Development Plan policy to protect employment use on
the site meant that the proposal was initially considered to be a
departure from the Plan. This resulted in the application being
subject to consultation with the Mayor of London. As well as
providing supporting evidence to justify the loss of the existing
use of the site, it was necessary to address a number of technical
issues including transport, noise and ecology. Bell Cornwell worked
with the specialist consultants to resolve all of these issues to
the Council’s satisfaction. As a result of consultation with the
Mayor it was also necessary to provide for 10% of the energy
requirements of the development through renewable sources. A biomass
boiler was, therefore, incorporated into the scheme. Despite
vociferous local objection to the development, planning permission
was granted by the Council’s Planning Committee.
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