Historic Braziers dairy farm could be converted into homes

Historic Braziers Dairy Farm in Kenton Lane, Harrow, could be converted into homes

By Chris Hewett

A historic grade-II listed dairy farm could be converted into houses despite objections from English Heritage.

The owners of Braziers Farm, in Kenton Lane, are looking to build more than 30 new homes at the former milk production site, which was built in 1808.

The farm is one of three owned by the Brazier brothers in north London and Hertfordshire and was originally built to designs by agricultural revolutionaries William Loudon and Robert Abraham.

English Heritage and the London and Middlesex Archaeological Society are among some interested groups opposing the plans, but planning officers at Harrow Council have recommended them for approval.

Owner David Brazier and his co-applicant Carol Edwards applied to Harrow Council to convert the farm into a residential complex earlier this year.

Among the proposals are the demolition of warehouses, former dairy storage buildings and refrigeration units.

Alterations would be made to a grade-II listed farm house and dairy outbuildings, where five new houses would be built.

Another 26 two-storey homes would be erected on the remainder of the large site, as well as car parking and a public open space.

English Heritage believes the amendments present a “degree of harm” to the historic site.

In its written objections, the organisation said: “Construction of a residential development
on open land will result in a degree of harm to the setting of the farm buildings.

“Admittedly this land is presently rather sterile in character, but its open nature helps us understand the former agricultural use of the site.”

Council officers have drawn up almost £100,000 of compulsory section 106 payments for the developer – money to offset the impact of the development.

The owners would also have to agree to a community infrastructure levy of around £370,000 before the plans would be approved.

Planning officers say the application would “provide benefits to the community by securing the long term future of the two grade-II listed buildings located on the site.”

Harrow Council’s planning committee is due to assess the plans at a meeting tonight.

To find out if they were approved, visit the Harrow Times website tomorrow.

Showbiz news
  • Clarkson happy ring staying in UK

  • Frostrup for post-coital chat show

  • Ratings boost for Downton opener

  • Forsyth: Retirement would age me

  • Grint to voice Foosball character

  • Comedy drama role for Nixon