169 new flats at Post Office Road Car Park, Post Office Road, Harlow

What was proposed

The application proposed two six-storey buildings with 169 homes, communal space, landscaping, parking, cycle parking and supporting infrastructure.

“Full planning permission is sought for the redevelopment of the existing Post Office Road Car Park, comprising of two, predominantly linear, six-storey buildings accommodating 169 new residential dwellings. The development would be accompanied by communal amenity space, landscaping, accessible vehicular and bicycle parking and supporting infrastructure.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site is a 1.4-hectare car park temporarily used as a bus station, surrounded by commercial and residential buildings near a major roundabout.

“The application site consists of a circa 1.4ha boomerang shaped tarmac surface level car park, historically associated with the neighbouring Royal Mail Post Office. It is currently being used as a temporary bus station while the development of the new ‘Sustainable Transport Hub and Interchange’, approved under planning reference HW/REM/23/00272, takes place. This use is limited until 30 th June 2026, after which point the site will be reinstated to its previous condition.”

“The surrounding area is a mix of commercial and residential uses, comprising a range of building styles and height. To the north-east is the Fourth Avenue/Vélizy Avenue roundabout, a key transport node.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier permissions covered the temporary bus station, related details and an environmental impact screening opinion for the proposed redevelopment.

“Application Number Proposal Status Decision Date HW/EIAO/25/00135 Request for an EIA Screening Opinion for proposed redevelopment of existing car park and erection of two buildings up to 6 storeys to provide 169 residential dwellings, along with car parking, public open space and landscaping. Environmental Impact Assessment Not Required 14.07.2025”

“HW/CND/24/00427 Application for approval of details reserved by condition 3 (Biodiversity Enhancement Layout) and condition 5 (External Lighting) of planning permission HW/FUL/24/00283 for alteration of the existing Post Office Road Car Park to form temporary bus station that will host 8 no. bus bays during the length of the construction of the 'Harlow Sustainable Transport Hub and Interchange' approved under planning reference HW/REM/23/00272.”

Officer report

Objections received

Three objections concerned unfinished town-centre works, the need for more homes, the location, trees, highway safety, sunlight and vibration.

“Three objections were received in response to this application and are summarised as follows:”

“Works within The Town Centre, the market area, bus terminal, Broad Walk, Aylmer House and the Market House have yet to be completed. These are all in a state of disrepair and should be finalised first • Necessity – many other buildings not being used; new flats in Wych Elm and near the train station are not fully occupied • Location – near a busy roundabout; not suitable for residential living • Loss of trees • Highway Safety concerns • Substantial loss of direct sunlight…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant made representations to the committee.

The committee’s decision

Planning permission was granted subject to the officer’s conditions, as amended by the addendum.

“RESOLVED that planning permission be GRANTED subject to the conditions in the Officer’s report, as amended by the addendum.”

Minutes