November 2009 Archives

PLANS have been deferred to build the properties needed to rehouse the remaining tenants on the Rayners Lane Estate yet to get a new home.
The next stage of housing association Home's multi-million redevelopment of the borough's largest social housing estate, in South Harrow, comprises 135 homes and flats in Eliot Drive, Drinkwater Road and Coles Crescent lying in 2.4 of the 15.4 hectare estate.
They will replace 11 "poor quality" four-storey blocks of flats and two-storey terrace houses currently being demolished and will add to the 657 properties already built since 2001.
Harrow Council's planning committee was told in a report "the proposal would deliver a mix of large family houses and a smaller number of one and two bedroom flats to address the specific housing needs of the Rayners Lane Estate" but decided to postpone its decision until December at its meeting on
Families will be able to enjoy a new open space of approximately 1000 sq m that will
incorporate playgrounds specifically for 2 to 5 year olds and for 4 to 8 year olds, while 157 car parking spaces, new roads and courtyards are planned.
The replacement affordable housing is being part-funded by the private sale of some properties: in this case, 105 of the homes would be rented out by Home to existing tenants and 30 sold to generate revenue.
Due to the recession, Home has had to modify its initial masterplan and roll its fifth, sixth and eight proposed development phases into one in order to make a bid for funding from the Homes and Communities Agency that has been accepted in principle.
A Harrow Council spokeswoman said: "The items was deferred for a site visit. The committee have also asked to see some clearer drawings for what is a large and complex proposals in order to assist them in their consideration of the proposals."

A RESIDENTIAL home that provides respite care for children and teenagers with severe learning disabilities has been called "outstanding" by inspectors.
The Firs, a Harrow Council-run service based in an suburban house in Northolt, received the top grade by Ofsted (the Office for Standards in Education) following an unannounced inspection conducted on October 15.
Officials said in their subsequent report: "Children and young people are well looked after, stimulated and encouraged to participate in the home during their short break.
"The staff and managers have an excellent understanding of the health, physical, social, cultural and emotional needs of children and young people.
"The staff team work extremely well with all professionals involved with children and young people."
Five beds available in the home to provide overnight and holiday stays for young people aged between five and 19 who have learning, sensory and physical disabilities and need one-to-one support.
Centre manager Eithne Staunton, said: "We are absolutely delighted with this grading as a lot of hard work has been put in by all the team and management at The Firs to achieve this, with support from the children and young people as well as their parents or carers."

A laptop was taken from the boot of a 68-year-old man's car parked in the car park of Sainsbury's in Northolt Road, South Harrow, between 5pm and 6pm on Friday.

Gold jewelry and cash was stolen in a burglary in Kings Road, South Harrow.
The crook smashed a kitchen window to enter the property between 12.30pm and 6.30pm on Friday (06/11).

REDUCE! Reuse! Recycle!
That was the message children at Newton Farm First and Middle School in Ravenswood Crescent, South Harrow, wanted to spread at their special assembly on Friday.

Harrow Nature Conservation are holding a working party on Roxbourne Rough, Rayners Lane Station on Sunday 15th November from 10am (meet at Stirling Ave, off Cannon lane).