The Planning Committee of Harrow Council met on Wednesday 21 October 2026, approving a new care home development and several residential conversions and extensions. The committee also refused one planning application for an outbuilding.

Vernon Lodge, 654 Kenton Lane, Harrow Weald

The committee granted planning permission for the demolition of the existing homeless shelter at Vernon Lodge and its redevelopment into a part-three and part-four storey care home. The new facility will provide 97 bedrooms, each with en-suite bathrooms, along with associated parking, landscaping, and ancillary works. The decision was subject to a Section 106 legal agreement, which will secure fifteen beds for Harrow Council at a sustainable market rate, along with contributions towards construction employment opportunities, travel plan monitoring, carbon offsetting, and biodiversity net gain.

32 Gerard Road, Harrow

Planning permission was granted for the demolition of the existing dwelling at 32 Gerard Road and its redevelopment to provide a detached two-storey, five-bedroom dwelling with habitable rooms in the roof space. This application followed two previous refusals for similar proposals, with the current scheme incorporating reductions in floor area, width, and bulk to address concerns about overdevelopment and visual impact.

212 Headstone Lane, Harrow

The committee granted planning permission for the conversion of the existing dwelling at 212 Headstone Lane into four self-contained flats. The proposal includes single-storey side and rear extensions, a loft conversion with a rear dormer, and the demolition of an existing garage and outbuilding. The development will provide a mix of flat sizes, including a three-bedroom family unit, and will include parking, bin, and cycle storage.

Stanmore Cricket Club, The Common, Stanmore

Permission was granted for roof extensions, including a balcony at first-floor level, a single-storey front infill extension, and external alterations, including external staircases, to the Stanmore Cricket Club pavilion. The proposal aims to upgrade the club's facilities to meet current standards and will be located within the Green Belt. The committee noted that the development would not adversely affect the openness of the Green Belt and would enhance a community sporting facility.

42 Flambard Road, Kenton

A variation of condition was granted for an outbuilding at 42 Flambard Road, increasing its height from 3.0 metres to 3.5 metres at the eaves. The application also included replacing a window with a door and reconfiguring the canopy. This variation was considered acceptable as it would not significantly impact the character of the area or neighbouring amenities.

17 Elms Road, Harrow Weald

Permission was granted for the conversion of the dwelling at 17 Elms Road into four self-contained flats. The proposal includes single and two-storey side and rear extensions, a loft conversion with a rear dormer, a front porch, and external alterations. The development will provide a mix of flat sizes, including a four-bedroom unit, and will include parking, bin, and cycle storage. The committee noted that the scheme had been called in by a nominated member due to concerns about the intensification of use and the impact on local infrastructure.

Other Matters

An application for the demolition of an outbuilding at 202 Headstone Lane was withdrawn from the agenda as the application had been withdrawn by the agent.

The committee also noted that from 31 October 2026, such applications would be decided under delegated powers, a change that was met with concern from some councillors regarding its democratic implications.

A public question was raised regarding the council's process for determining the lawfulness of development without planning permission, and a written response was promised within two weeks.

The meeting also discussed the upcoming changes to planning decision-making processes, with a note that certain types of applications would no longer be brought before the committee after 31 October 2026.