Formal planning permission has now been issued for the huge redevelopment of the old Harrow Civic Centre, bringing the long-running Poets Corner scheme another step closer.
Harrow Council issued the decision notice on 30 September 2026, almost a year after councillors first backed the plans. The scheme will eventually see much of the existing Civic Centre site in Station Road demolished and replaced with more than 1,000 homes, along with new public spaces, commercial and community facilities, play areas and landscaping.
The Planning Committee had already resolved to approve the development in October 2025, but that decision was subject to the completion of a legal agreement before formal permission could be issued.
More than 1,000 homes planned
The overall development can provide up to 1,058 homes.
The first phase has detailed permission for 530 homes across three blocks. This includes 422 Build to Rent homes and 108 London Living Rent homes, with buildings ranging from three to 12 storeys.
Later phases have outline permission for up to another 528 homes, with buildings ranging from six to 15 storeys. More detailed plans for those parts of the development will still need to come back to the council through reserved matters applications.
The completed legal agreement secures a minimum of 192 affordable homes, equivalent to 20.65% of the residential development when measured by habitable rooms.
The scheme will also include at least 1,300 square metres of non-residential floorspace, which can be used for commercial, business, service and community uses.
New public spaces and trees
Two new public open spaces covering a total of around 7,500 square metres are planned as part of the development. There will also be more than 4,000 square metres of ground-level children’s play space.
Planning documents state that 101 existing trees will be retained, while 258 new trees will be planted as part of the landscaping plans.
Jobs and apprenticeships
The Section 106 agreement also includes commitments around jobs and training during the development.
These include 35 apprenticeship roles, 63 work experience placements and 210 local labour roles, with recruitment expected to take place through local recruitment agencies, job centres or similar organisations.
The detailed part of the scheme must begin within three years of the formal permission being issued, while later outline phases will be subject to separate reserved matters approvals.
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