Sadiq Khan uses 'call-in' powers for first time for major housing development

Call-in: Mayor Sadiq Khan
EPA

Sadiq Khan today used his “call in” powers for the first time to approve a major housing development in north west London that was initially rejected by the local council.

The Mayor gave the go ahead to plans for 186 new homes in Palmerston Road in Harrow, of which 41 per cent will be affordable.

The green light for the development near Harrow & Wealdstone station came after City Hall planners agreed an increase in the proportion of homes offered for shared ownership and reduced rents for the affordable rented homes.

The Mayor said: “Fixing London’s housing crisis will be a marathon, not a sprint. I’m clear that if we’re to deliver the genuinely affordable homes Londoners urgently need, we have to explore all options for development across the capital.

“This will mean we’re going to see suburbs and town centres becoming denser and development increasing near stations.

“I called in these schemes to subject them to further scrutiny. My planners are to be commended for bringing these applications to the public hearing stage much faster than under the previous Mayor.”

Mr Khan also later gave the go ahead to another scheme in Tottenham, called Hale Wharf initially rejected by Haringey council.

The proposed development only had nine per cent affordable housing in its original form but this has since been raised to at least 35 per cent. It will provide 505 homes or which 176 are designated affordable.

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