9 minute read
Building Harlow’s future
Building Harlow’s future Bid submitted for up to £25m of funding
Artist impression: Harlow transport and commercial hub
With Harlow Council and its partners working together to help the town through the pandemic, a multi-million pound bid has been submitted for 6 projects in the town. Harlow Growth Board, a partnership of local public, private and voluntary organisations, have submitted the Towns Fund bid to get government funding towards the following projects:
Harlow town centre - there are 3 projects to improve the transport links and connectivity in the town centre. This includes improving public spaces to make the town centre feel safer and more attractive and a new transport and commercial hub in Terminus Street.
Staple Tye regeneration - improving Staple Tye neighbourhood with new workspace for businesses and creating new jobs.
Cambridge Road and River
Way junction - developing the Templefields Enterprise Zone through improving access via a new Cambridge Road and River Way junction. Institute of Technology improving local skills opportunities through Harlow College’s plans for the Institute of Technology.
The board expects to hear the outcome of the bid later this year. “Our plan has the backing of all of the Growth Board members who are working together to ensure that Harlow gets the very best A lot of work and detail has gone into developing these proposals which we believe will make Harlow a better learn. and work alongside other game changing projects for Harlow such as Harlow & Gilston Garden Town, the Public Health Science Campus, the new hospital and Harlow Enterprise Zone”, Dr John Keddie, Chair of the Harlow Growth In late 2019 Harlow was one of 101 towns across the country that could apply for up to £25 million from the government’s Towns Fund. The council has already secured £1m from the fund, which will be invested in improvements to Harlow town
deal it can from government. place to live, work, visit and centre.
The council has also bid for funding from the Future High Streets Fund to support other projects in the town centre, as well as made a bid to the South East Local Enterprise Partnership for funding to accelerate the Harlow Science Park development.
More on information on the Towns Fund can be found on
“These projects will support
our website. Board. Cambridge Road and Riverway junction
Winter in Harlow Town Centre
This year has been difficult for Harlow Town Centre and it’s likely to continue for a little while longer. As we head towards Christmas with the pandemic still very much dominating our lives, we didn’t want the season to pass without sharing some of the Christmas magic that the town centre provides each year. Virtual Harlow Makers Market
With no Christmas lights switch on events or activities, this year we will be hosting a range of free virtual events and activities throughout December, to help you celebrate the festive season and to say thank you for continuing to support Harlow Town Centre, the shops and the shop workers throughout the difficult year. and stores. There are hand
DIY STEAM Activities
Following a successful science, technology, engineering arts and maths this year, but instead, how christmas to download decorate at home. We’ve missed having the Harlow Makers Market, but promise once it is safe to do
Hands, face, space – safely visiting Harlow Town Centre
When visiting Harlow Town Centre, remember that things are a little different.
A number of measures are in place to make sure your visit is as safe as possible.
workshop in February, we have a range of interesting and exciting virtual activities on our website that children and families can try at home.
You can also visit www.
harlowtowncentre.co.uk/
unique Christmas decoration templates featuring some of Harlow’s magnificent sculptures to print out and There are one-way systems to help you navigate the town centre safely. You may also need to queue at some shops so, the event will be back.
sanitiser stations in the bus terminus, Harvey Centre and The Water Gardens.
You must wear a face covering inside a store or the Harvey Centre, unless you are exempt.
image: pixabay
In the meantime, we’re bringing together our makers virtually, shining a spotlight on the wonderful range of makers that Harlow and the surrounding area has to offer.
If you are looking for a special, unique Christmas present or a treat for yourself, our range of makers have something for everyone.
You can find details at
www.harlowtowncentre.
#ElfYourself craft and competition
Unfortunately there is no ‘Elf Yourself’ workshop in the town
co.uk/makers
about creating your own elf costume at home?
You can find a template as well as tips on how to make it unique at www.harlowtowncentre.
co.uk/christmas
You could also be in with a chance to win a prize by entering our #ElfYourself competition, open to anyone aged 14 and under!
Simply take a photo of yourself in your elf costume andupload it to the Harlow Town Centre Instagram, Facebook or Twitter page, tagging Harlow Town Centre and using the hashtag #ElfYourself.
Keeping the pound in town: shop local, shop safely
Don’t forget to support your local neighbourhood shopping centres and local hatches this Christmas.
Every time you shop local you are supporting the local economy and helping to keep local people in jobs.
When you shop local, stay safe by:
• Washing and sanitising your hands regularly
• Wearing a face covering
• Keeping at least 2 metres from others
• Walking, cycling or driving to the shops rather than use public transport
*Please note our “shop and eat local” guide featuring different shopping areas will return in the spring 2021 edition of Harlow Times.
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Protecting the built environment
Houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) and office conversions
HMOs
HMOs are an important part of Harlow’s housing mix, particularly for single people who have few other options. However in the last 5 years there’s been a near 300% increase in the numbers of HMOs in our town. This growth has reduced the amount of family housing that is available and in some areas HMOs have created pressures on parking.
Harlow Council wants to reduce the increase in HMOs whilst maintaining a reasonable number of these properties. Our policy is to create an appropriate balance of accommodation across the town. We’ve three tools we can use to control the development of HMOS:
Planning: Our new Local Plan, to be adopted in December 2020, will require all new large HMOs (those housing more than six people) to provide one dedicated parking space for each person living in the property. This means that HMOs cannot be developed unless they can provide the necessary parking. Our policy also means that more than one house in a row of five cannot be converted to HMO use.
Article 4 direction: We are considering implementing a town-wide article 4 direction. This would mean that all new HMOs would have to secure planning permission. HMOs housing six or fewer people currently don’t require planning permission from us and can be converted with permitted development rights. This direction would change that and provide us with greater control over conversions.
Initial consultation has taken place and we will make a final decision next March on whether or not to implement this measure.
Covenant control: Many of Harlow’s homes have restrictive covenants which restrict their use to single family homes only. In February, we decided to use our powers not to release these covenants. These covenants were put in place to make sure Harlow always has a continued supply of family housing. We will only release them if there is a specific need to and there would not be undue impact.
image: pixabay
Office block conversions
Harlow’s office-to-residential conversions have received widespread media coverage. These privately-owned office blocks have been converted under permitted development rights. This means they did not need planning permission.
These conversions are an issue that we and our community are deeply concerned about. The conversions have put extra pressure on services and many provide unsuitable housing in unsuitable locations. Other councils are also using these converted offices to place families in them.
We have successfully introduced article 4 directions to cover the town centre and all industrial areas. Any new conversions now need planning permission, which gives us greater control over the scale, quality and location of developments. We’ve already refused planning permission for two conversions in the last year.
Unfortunately the directions cannot be used for existing conversions. We’ve lobbied government for changes to permitted development rights. We also continue to press other councils to stop housing people in these developments as well as calling on owners to consider other uses for their buildings.
Tribute to Margaret MacKenzie
Harlow Council Housing services and the tenant and leaseholder representatives were deeply saddened to hear of the loss of one of the longest serving tenant and leaseholder representatives, Margaret MacKenzie.
As well as working very closely with us on many projects which have made a great difference to residents’ lives, Margaret was also involved with other organisations providing volunteer help and support. This included volunteering at the Princess Alexandra Hospital to help raise funds to purchase a hospital scanner at a time when scanners were very rare. Margaret also helped fundraise for her local GP surgery.
If you are a council tenant or leaseholder you can now access your accounts online and make payments at anytime using the MyHome service.
Some of the tasks you can do include: • View your rent account details or print a copy of your statement method or make payments We would all like to take the opportunity to thank Margaret for all her hard work and dedication she gave to us all.
Margaret will be deeply missed, but always remembered for her beautiful smile which brought joy to many.
Our deepest sympathies go out
Accessing your housing services online
Request a change of payment to Margaret’s family and friends.
View your tenancy details
Request repairs to your home
View your service charges
All you need to do is visit:
https://selfserve.harlow.gov.uk
and click on My Accounts.
MyHome
Harlow Council’s Careline service provides peace of mind for vulnerable people living in the Harlow area 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.
Call Harlow Careline: 01279 446361 careline@harlow.gov.uk www.harlow.gov.uk/careline
Repairs Centre Christmas opening hours
The Repairs Centre will be open from 8am-4pm on: Thursday 24 December 2020 Tuesday 29 December 2020 Wednesday 30 December 2020 Thursday 31 December 2020 Call: 01279 446666 A 24-hour genuine emergency repairs service is available on the days the repairs centre is closed and out of hours. Normal opening from Monday 4 January 2021
