The Planning Committee of Harrow Council is scheduled to convene on Wednesday 23 September 2026 to consider a range of planning applications. A key item on the agenda is a proposal for the change of use of the Rising Sun Hotel to mixed commercial and residential use, alongside the construction of new dwellings.

Rising Sun Hotel Redevelopment

A significant item scheduled for discussion is the proposed change of use for the Rising Sun Hotel at 138 Greenford Road, Harrow on the Hill, HA1 3QL. The application, numbered PL/0797/26, seeks to transform the building from its former restaurant and hotel use into a mixed-use development comprising commercial space and six residential flats. The proposal also includes the retention and restoration of the front and side facades, along with single and two-storey extensions to the side and rear. Further plans involve alterations to the roof, the addition of dormer windows with balconies, terraces with privacy screens, and replacement windows. The scheme also encompasses partial demolition and redevelopment at the rear of the site to create two new dwelling houses, complete with associated vehicle access, parking, and landscaping.

The report pack indicates that the recommendation is to grant planning permission, subject to the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement. This agreement is anticipated to cover matters such as Parking Permit Restrictions for the new flats, a revision to a Traffic Management Order, potential carbon offsetting if net-zero carbon targets are not met, and legal fees. The report notes that the lawful use of the ground floor has been established as a restaurant (Use Class E), removing the need for a sequential test for this element. The development is expected to deliver much-needed housing stock and enhance the character and appearance of the area by restoring the locally listed building, which has been in a state of disrepair following a fire in October 2023.

The report highlights that all proposed residential units are dual aspect, offering good daylight and ventilation. However, it acknowledges that the proposed unit mix does not fully meet the requirement for family-sized homes, with 25% of units being three-bedroom or more, rather than the Local Plan's policy HO1 requirement of 35%. This departure is attributed to site-specific constraints related to retaining historic facades. The report also details considerations regarding residential amenity, including potential overlooking and noise, and outlines proposed mitigation measures.

Other Planning Applications

The committee's agenda also includes other planning applications for consideration. These include:

• Section 2 Other Applications recommended for Grant:
  • 2/01 Rising Sun Hotel, 138 Greenford Rd, Harrow on the Hill HA1 3QL (PL/0797/26): This application, as detailed above, proposes a change of use to mixed commercial and residential, alongside new dwelling houses. The recommendation is for a grant of permission, subject to a legal agreement.

The agenda also lists sections for Major Applications, Other Applications recommended for Refusal, Consultations from Neighbouring Authorities, and Prior Approval Applications, all of which are noted as having no items scheduled for discussion at this meeting.

The meeting will also address standard procedural items such as noting the attendance of Reserve Members, agreeing requests for non-committee members to speak, receiving declarations of interest, and confirming the minutes of the previous meeting held on 2 September 2026. Public questions, petitions, and deputations will also be received, with a deadline for public questions set for 3.00 pm on Friday 18 September 2026. The committee will also confirm whether representations will be received from objectors and applicants regarding planning applications.

The meeting is scheduled to take place at 6:30 pm in The Auditorium at Harrow Council Hub, Kenmore Avenue, Harrow, HA3 8LU. Members of the public can attend in person or view the proceedings online via the London Borough of Harrow webcasts.