The Planning Committee of Harrow Council met on Wednesday 24 July 2024 to discuss several planning applications. The committee granted planning permission for three major applications and two other applications, while one application was refused.

143/145 Eastcote Lane and 172 Alexandra Avenue - PL/0109/23

The committee granted planning permission for the demolition of existing buildings and redevelopment to provide a three-storey detached building comprising sixteen self-contained flats. This decision was made subject to the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement, which will include provisions for early and late-stage review mechanisms, construction employment opportunities, highway alterations, a carbon-offset contribution, requirements for energy efficiency, biodiversity net gain, off-site tree planting, and legal and administration fees. Councillor Nitin Parekh proposed refusal on grounds of the development's bulk and massing negatively impacting the site's open character and street scene, which was seconded by Councillor Peymana Assad. However, this proposal was not agreed, and the application was granted by a majority vote.

Safari Cinema, Station Road, Harrow - PL/0851/23

Planning permission was granted for the redevelopment of the site to provide a part 11/part 5 storey building with a basement, comprising 82 residential units and a cinema on the ground floor. The decision was subject to a Deed of Variation to the original Section 106 legal agreement, which will include amendments regarding the inclusion of this application, the use of the cinema, the deletion of affordable housing obligations, amendments to viability appraisals, retention of a late-stage review mechanism, removal of reference to an ancillary café, and contributions towards legal costs and monitoring. Councillor Nitin Parekh and Councillor Peymana Assad voted to refuse the application, but their reasons were not formally proposed. Councillor Simon Brown abstained from voting.

32 Roxeth Grove, HA2 8JG - PL/1022/24

The committee unanimously granted planning permission for the retrospective application for a rear conservatory and associated rear patio. The decision was based on the assessment that the extension did not detract from the character and appearance of the property or surrounding area, nor did it unduly impact neighbouring amenities or flood risk.

76 Wetheral Drive, HA7 2HL - PL/0435/23

This application for the provision of a rear dormer, reinstatement of the original hipped roof structure, and the addition of rooflights to the front and rear roof slopes was unanimously granted. The committee agreed that the proposal would improve the quality of accommodation without negatively impacting neighbouring amenities or the character of the area.

Edgware Police Station, Whitchurch Lane, HA8 6LB - P/0871/22

Planning permission was granted for the conversion of the former Edgware Police Station into a hotel. This decision was subject to the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement covering highway and parking contributions, including a travel plan, upgrades to waiting restrictions, kerbside improvements, and a CPZ review. The agreement also secures the use of the building as a hotel in perpetuity and covers legal costs and monitoring fees. The decision to grant was made by a majority vote, with Councillor Nitin Parekh abstaining.

Planning Appeals

The committee received a report on planning appeals for Quarter One. The report noted that 9 appeals were allowed (45%), 26 were dismissed (72%), and 1 was part allowed with notice upheld (3%). There were 5 cost applications submitted, with 4 rejected. The committee noted the report.

91 Stanmore Hill, HA7 3DR - PL/1040/24

The committee refused this application for a change of use from retail to restaurant, including a single-storey rear extension and the installation of an extract flue. Councillor Zak Wagman seconded the Chair's proposal for refusal, citing concerns about the potential loss of residential amenities due to noise and odours from the restaurant's rear dining area and the inadequacy of planning conditions to mitigate these issues. The decision to refuse was by majority vote.

2/02 Gar. Adj. 8 Eaton Close, HA7 3BT - P/1719/23

The committee unanimously granted planning permission for the demolition and redevelopment to provide three two-storey detached dwellinghouses. This decision was subject to the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement, which includes parking permit restrictions, a contribution for tree replacement, and legal costs and monitoring fees.

170 Pinner View, HA1 4RW - PL/0474/24

The committee unanimously refused this application for the conversion of a dwelling into a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) for up to nine people, along with retrospective conversion of a garage into a habitable room and external alterations. Councillor Christopher Baxter proposed refusal, seconded by Councillor Samir Sumaria, on the grounds that the proposal was out of character for the residential area and represented an over-intensive use of the site.

Harrow Museum, Headstone Lane, HA2 6PX - PL/1302/24

Listed Building Consent was unanimously granted for repair and maintenance works to the Manor House, Great Barn, Small Barn, and Granary at Harrow Museum.

291 & 291a Northolt Road, HA2 8HX - PL/0545/24

The committee unanimously refused this application for the establishment of a ground floor Use Class E and a first and second-floor self-contained flat, including a rear dormer and other alterations. The refusal was based on the retained rear roof dormer being considered an incongruous and poor-quality feature, and the proposed residential unit offering substandard and cramped accommodation.