Consultation on TfL plans to build homes on Canons Park station car park

Renee Gilbert, of Howberry Road, criticised proposals to build the homes on the car park at Canons Park station, just yards away from where she lives.

The proposals are part of a Transport for London (TfL) scheme to build around 450 affordable homes across three station car parks in Harrow – at Canons Park, Rayners Lane and Stanmore.

TfL claims these areas are perfectly suited to support the transport network and they can provide high-quality homes that are “100 per cent” affordable.

But Ms Gilbert, who has lived in Howberry Road for 62 years, says building in the area has gone far enough and there is insufficient infrastructure to support the plans.

“We don’t need any more homes, what we need is somewhere for people to park when they are visiting,” she said.

“People come from further out and already struggle to park. When there’s something on at Wembley it’s absolute bedlam.

“It seems as if they are not listening to what people want – they’re trying to push us around and swamp us out.

“We’ve already lost parking space and now they’ve decided to take this land and make a bit of money from it. It’s pure greed.”

She has urged people to attend a public consultation on the subject at Canons Hall, in Wemborough Road, on July 17 between 5pm and 8pm.

Graeme Craig, director of commercial development at TfL, argued this presents an “exciting opportunity” to provide “homes for Londoners who desperately need them”.

The initiative has been backed by Harrow Council, which has consistently noted the need for more housing – particularly affordable schemes – in the borough.

Cllr Keith Ferry, responsible for regeneration at Harrow Council, said: “Our community is crying out for affordable homes for Harrow people, so we are delighted to welcome TfL’s plans to build a better Harrow.

“Our borough was born out of the need for new homes for hardworking people near railway links, and we are pleased to see that tradition continue.”