I AM writing in response to RJM Williams's letter ('Opposition to plan far wider', letters October 9).

I have lived in North Harrow for more than 30 years and have seen it decline from the 'well-established and welldefined residential area' to which RJM Williams refers to an area of poorly-maintained streets, over-extended houses with front gardens turned into car parks and empty shops.

The Gilbert Square development is the most recent example of a building lacking any architectural merit and totally out of scale with its surroundings. In contrast, the proposed North Harrow Community Centre has a style and grace completely missing from its near neighbour.The design cleverly incorporates many features, including a café, two gyms and well-equipped function rooms, which would be a great asset to the whole community in a building that is not only visually exciting but has a low profile and a small foot-print.

I am pleased that at least the planning decision has been deferred and hope that agreement can be reached to permit this building to go ahead. It will be the best thing to have happened to North Harrow for 30 years.

DAVID NORGATE-BENNETT Churchfield Close

North Harrow