Introduction

Ever since the Neighbourhood Forum was established housing has been a key issue for local people taking part in consultation and conversations. Harlesden’s population is likely to continue to grow, as is the case across London, meaning that there will be pressures on available land and housing in the neighbourhood forum area.  

There has been a growth in the number of smaller households (one and two bedrooms) in Harlesden but there are few properties of this kind in the neighbourhood forum area.

Some of the key concerns identified are:

 

• Overcrowded housing (36% of all households in Harlesden are overcrowded compared to 11% for London)
   

• Homelessness levels are very high in Harlesden (we don’t have ward level data but Brent has some of the highest levels of homelessness in the country)
   

• Housing costs both for renters and those who want to own their home. Currently the cost of homes is well beyond the budgets of most local residents and you have told us that affordable housing is a priority
   

• There are fears that the Old Oak & Park Royal Development will further impact negatively on housing costs in the area
   

• Despite these severe housing challenges we have to recognise that there is little space in Harlesden for new housing developments and that we would look to the new development at Old Oak & Park Royal to meet some of Harlesden’s housing needs

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