Site Of Former Occasio House College Square Harlow Essex CM20 1AP

Unknown HW/CND/26/00171
Council
Date received
24 Apr 2026
Date validated
24 Apr 2026
Postcode
CM20 1AP

Description

Application for approval of details reserved by condition 16 (Pocket Park Details) of planning permission HW/FUL/23/00488 for redevelopment of land to the west of Harlow Playhouse, including Occasio House, to provide a 2 no. storey detached extension to Harlow Playhouse to provide creative studios and performing arts space, music school and recording studio, cafe, changing rooms and booking office (Sui Generis); and an additional part 6 no. and part 5 no. storey building to provide flexible commercial and community floorspace at ground floor level (Use Class E and Use Class F.1/F.2) with residential flats above (Use Class C); together with landscaping, public realm improvements, improvement works to the Haydens Road subway, re-direction of College Gate and re-location of the taxi rank; and associated access and parking provision

4.5/10
Planning Authority Score
#172 of 282

Harlow is faster than most councils at deciding householder applications, ranking #66 out of 282. Harlow is also one of the strictest councils - it refuses more householder applications than almost any other, with only 77% approved vs 90% nationally.

Harlow decision performance
Based on MHCLG data, 2025
81%
Overall approval rate
Below avg (87%) #242 of 282
77%
Householder approved
Below avg (90%) #273 of 282
84%
Decided in 8 weeks
Above avg (71%) #66 of 282
38%
Extended time limit
Below avg (40%) #125 of 282
33%
Minor dwellings approved
12 decided (1-9 homes)
83%
Major dwellings approved
6 decided (10+ homes)
83%
Change of use approved
18 decided
275
Total decisions
51 refused in 2025