Eco office plan rejected

Harrow based ZED Homes wanted to build their four storey, 40ft-high headquarters in Roxeth Green Avenue, South Harrow.

But the eco-friendly proposal, which would have been carbon neutral and powered by solar panels and wind turbines, was rejected by Harrow Council on Wednesday, October 10, as unsuitable for the area.

Marilyn Ashton, chairman of the strategic planning committee, said: "I'm trying to be polite, but I'm rather astonished at this one. It makes no contribution towards the area. It beggars belief really.

"The undercroft parking area would not have any natural surveillance, giving rise to risk of crime and fear of crime.

"There would be some real problems if this development had gone ahead."

Ameeta Sharma, marketing manager for ZED Homes, expressed disappointment at the decision.

She said: "It's not the fact it was rejected that saddens me, it is the lack of understanding of what this development could actually bring to Harrow.

"They can't see beyond the wind turbines, but we need to get used to the idea that these technologies will not be held back."

ZED Homes is now considering moving its business out of Harrow.

Ms Sharma said: "I just don't think the council has an overview of what we intended. We hoping to create 40 jobs, and now we may have to look elsewhere outside of Harrow."

Some South Harrow residents had objected to the plans, arguing the 7 wind turbines on the top of the office block would be too noisy, and there would not be enough parking spaces created.

John Riches, 63, of Roxeth Green Avenue, said: "We are absolutely delighted and relieved. But we are concerned that an application for flats will now be passed.

"The whole area has been over developed, and this would have been an add on. There are not enough schools, not enough forms of community entertainment, and Harrow is already struggling to provide services to the residents.

"I don't see how the borough can cope with all the development."