What is a Local Area of Special Character?
A Local Area of Special Character is a local form of heritage area designation based on the architectural and/or historic interest of an area. It complements the national designation of conservation areas where there is a higher threshold for designation. It is a similar concept to Harrow’s local list of buildings, compared to its statutory listed buildings which are designated at a national level.
Designation criteria are:
- The area must be of heritage significance (as defined in the National Planning Policy Framework (2024) or any subsequent replacement).
- One or more of the following criteria need to be met:
- Townscape of locally cohesive, well-preserved quality.
- Architecture of locally cohesive, well-preserved quality.
- Landscape of locally distinctive and well-preserved quality.
Overall, an area must have discernibly higher quality and degree of intactness than other parts of the borough (other than designated conservation areas, that have special architectural or historic interest), thereby demonstrating distinctiveness
What does designation mean?
The level of protection from a LASC is different to that of a Conservation Area where permitted development rights are restricted. Permitted development rights allow a property owner to make certain changes to a building without planning permission.
In a LASC permitted development rights are not affected. However, it would need to be shown that any change requiring permission protects the character of the LASC
What areas are designated?
LASCs are a new designation in Harrow and therefore at present (December 2024) there are only two areas designated:
- West Harrow: Butler Avenue, Lance Road and West Harrow Recreation Ground Local Area of Special Character
- Pinner: West End Avenue, Meadow Road and Eastcote Road Local Area of Special Character
The reasons for designation are given in full in the Cabinet report for adoption from 14th November 2024: (Public Pack) Agenda Document for Cabinet, 14/11/2024 18:30
The Council intends to regularly review other areas of the borough for potential designation as a LASC. Any areas proposed to be designated will be subject to consultation before any designation is made.
How do we make a nomination?
If you think an area meets the criteria above, please email Conservation@harrow.gov.uk. Outline how you consider the area meets the criteria above, and please provide a map and supporting evidence including photos. There’s no firm timeframe for any review of proposed areas. Timing will be dependent on capacity.