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How would Harlow North help to regenerate the existing town of Harlow? |
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The development of Harlow North would help transform Harlow into a major subregional centre. This critical mass would enable the creation of a wide range of new education, retail and cultural opportunities, facilities and services, accommodating at least 30,000 new jobs.
Major investment in infrastructure is planned for the whole town, particularly a public transport system that would reduce congestion and enable efficient movement throughout.
The emphasis on sustainability would stimulate national and international interest in the designs, construction and operation of the new places, spaces and buildings, further supporting the town's new facilities and services.
The exceptionally high standards of design and durability planned for Harlow North should inspire copycat developments across the whole town. There would be extensive opportunities for landswaps to enable physical regeneration of some of the more rundown neighbourhoods in Harlow. |
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What environmental impacts would Harlow North have? |
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Like all of the regional growth proposals, Harlow North would have environmental impacts. Its principal environmental impact is perceived to be upon open space and landscape. But the overall ecological diversity of the area would be significantly enhanced through the growth and improved management of important wetland, woodland and grassland habitats.
Larger scale environmental issues are also being addressed. As planned, Harlow North would be the preeminent low carbon settlement in the UK, directly addressing the actions necessary to ameliorate climate change - the world's single most important environmental problem and challenge.
Detailed studies of the development plans for Harlow North are underway to measure a range of environmental impacts in order that optimum mitigating actions can be taken. The Building Research Establishment sustainability checklist is being used to audit, monitor and inform emerging plans and designs. Results of all major studies will be published on the project website (www.harlownorth.com). |
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Will aircraft noise be a problem for the new development? |
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No. One of the design considerations taken into account for the proposed development at Harlow North has been the impact of noise from aircraft using Stansted airport (seven and a half miles away) on future residents of the development. Research on the current and likely future impact of flight paths over the development indicates that noise levels will be well
below the official limits for residential areas. |
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Will there be affordable houses in Harlow North? |
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Yes. Ropemaker Properties Limited are committed to delivering affordable housing of all types and tenures throughout Harlow North. There would be approximately 30% affordable dwellings – 5,000 would be built by 2021 if the development went ahead. In line with current best practice, the affordable houses would be 'pepper-potted' evenly throughout the site. Harlow North is about creating a truly sustainable community, and to achieve this a social mix is needed on every street. |
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What plans are there for involving local people in the development of the town plan and neighbourhood designs? |
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Given the cross-boundary nature of the Harlow North proposal and in the absence of a housing allocation, despite best endeavours, it has been difficult to obtain widespread local stakeholder involvement in the development of the principles and plan so far. If an allocation is made, a detailed proposal for local participation and consultation will be prepared.
This will include wide use of the Enquiry by Design process – an inter-disciplinary planning and design tool bringing together specialists and other stakeholders to explore the many objectives of any significant new development.
The process will be used widely to enable maximum creativity and responsiveness to local perceptions, needs and aspirations, ensuring the best possible foundations for a new community. |
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