FAQs

Conservation areas are areas which are valued for their special architectural or historic interest – the character and appearance of which it is desirable to preserve and enhance. In Harrow, a Conservation Area should fulfill two or more of these criteria:

i) Areas with a high concentration of Listed Buildings whether statutorily or locally listed;

ii) Areas of historical, social, economic and/or architectural merit;

iii) Areas with a high proportion of buildings built before 1920, which remain largely unaltered;

iv) Areas built after 1920 that are innovative in planning or architectural detail, and where a large proportion remain unaltered;

v) A significant group of buildings with distinct physical identity and cohesiveness; and

vi) Areas which have a special quality, where the site layout and landscaping are of exceptionally high quality and/or contain historic open space, natural landmarks or topographical features;

The Council’s Planning Policy Advisory Panel reviewed the assessment of these two streets, against the conservation area criteria and whilst noting the case was marginal, recommended that we should ask residents what they thought. Full details of this can be found in the Cabinet report at this link: Meeting: (harrow.gov.uk). The area was once part of the wider Harrow Weald Park Estate which included some of the surrounding residential streets. The buildings are mainly typical inter-war two storey suburban style buildings of a vernacular Domestic Revival style which is generally pleasing, and similar to much of the wider surrounding suburban character of Harrow. Considering landscaping, Bellfield Avenue has an attractive leafy feel to it as trees intersperse the pavement all the way to the top. The open field just past the top creates a pleasant country feel and is typical of the way inter-war suburban development would suddenly stop and meet the countryside beyond. The circular space created by West Drive Gardens crossing West Drive is a relatively interesting and pleasing aspect but again similar is found in other parts of Harrow. It is quite typical of most normal suburban streets. 

The proposal is to include the streets in a new conservation area named West Drive and Bellfield Avenue Conservation area.

Designation as a Conservation area is not intended to prevent changes to homes or properties by their owners. 

It's simply to ensure proposals for change are properly considered. Good management can lead to better residential neighbourhoods. 

Designation would mean the local planning authority - that's Harrow Council - would pay special attention to desirability of preserving or enhancing the character or appearance of the area where any application for planning permission was submitted. 

If these roads were within a conservation area, it would mean there would be additional requirements for planning permission prior to certain works being undertaken. 

For example: side extensions, roof extensions and certain outbuildings. 

Additional control would be introduced over demolition as planning permission would be required for the demolition of any unlisted building in the area. 

Notice would also need to be given to the local authority before works are carried out to any tree in the conservation area and fewer types of advertisements can be displayed with deemed consent. Extra publicity would be given to planning affecting conservation areas.