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Planning deal could extend country park

Posted by Tom Parnell on Aug 12, 08 03:15 PM in Local Authority

Officials are set to strike a deal to nearly double the size of Stanmore Country Park in return for approving a housing development.

A huge expansion of the park from 88 acres to 157 acres - making it one of the biggest open country parks in London - will take place if Harrow Council approves the sale of three acres of presently derelict land for a 10-house development.

If successful, applicants CP Holdings will in return offer the lease on 69 acres neighbouring Stanmore Country Park to Harrow Council.

As well as combining the newly available land with the existing Stanmore Country park, the council also proposes to create a wildlife refuge within a 45-acre site covering Wood Lane and Brockley Hill, joining on to the 35-acre Pear Wood.

There is presently no public access to the land earmarked for the property development, which was used for tipping until the mid 1990s.

It has been derelict ever since, with an assortment of dilapidated building and barns with concrete surfacing.

Council leader Councillor David Ashton said: "Effectively, the council has a choice - leave the area as is, derelict and inaccessible to the public, or take an opportunity to protect and extend the country park and establish a large wildlife protection area.

"This extension to the country park would open up an outstanding walk and recreation area, linking up to Wood Lane. It would be a great asset to Harrow."

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