Harrow Council is progressing a major programme that could see up to 70 properties bought on the open market to provide temporary and permanent accommodation across the borough.
The local authority has set a maximum cost of £30.732 million for the programme, covering property purchases as well as associated acquisition costs and initial repairs and refurbishment.
One of the latest properties identified is 83 Northolt Road in South Harrow – opposite Harrow Police Station – which the council plans to purchase on a leasehold basis for £290,000.
Reducing reliance on B&B accommodation
Council documents say the programme is intended to provide additional good-quality accommodation for homeless households and families in Harrow whose housing needs cannot currently be met through the wider housing market.
The authority says the acquisitions would also provide an alternative to the use of expensive and unsuitable bed and breakfast accommodation.
Authority has been proposed for the Strategic Director of Housing and Regeneration, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing and the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Resources, to acquire up to 70 properties.
Properties can be negotiated at what the council considers a reasonable price based on prevailing market conditions, supported by a valuation report.
South Harrow property among planned purchases
The latest decision relates specifically to 83 Northolt Road, South Harrow, HA2 0LP.
Council documents state that the leasehold property would be bought for £290,000, with the Mayor and Burgesses of the London Borough of Harrow listed as the purchasing party.
The council said: “The proposal will provide additional good quality Temporary Accommodation to homeless households, as an alternative to expensive and unsuitable B&B accommodation.”
It added that the move would support “vulnerable homeless households and families in Harrow whose housing needs cannot be met by the housing market.”
Other options considered
Council officers also considered other ways of increasing accommodation.
One option was to build temporary recyclable homes on vacant council-owned land. However, officers said this would rely on suitable land being available at no cost and would take time because planning permission would still be required.
Continuing to use bed and breakfast accommodation was also considered but rejected on the grounds that it is costly to the council.
The notice relating to the South Harrow purchase was published on September 25.
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