The Planning Committee of Harrow Council met on Wednesday 21 May 2025 to discuss several planning applications. The committee granted Listed Building Consent for alterations at The Rookery, 187 Stanmore Hill, and approved a change of use application for the Royal Mail Harrow Postal Office. However, a proposal to remove permitted development rights at The Hollies, Oxhey Lane, was deferred for further consideration, and an application for redevelopment at 26 Fallowfield, Stanmore, was refused.

The Rookery, 187 Stanmore Hill, HA7 4JY

The committee granted Listed Building Consent for internal and external alterations at The Rookery, 187 Stanmore Hill. The application was part retrospective, addressing interior strip-out and renewal of decoration. The decision was unanimous, with the committee agreeing that the proposed works would help preserve the special interest of the listed building, subject to a range of conditions aimed at ensuring proper recording, repair, and reinstatement of historic fabric. These conditions include detailed requirements for staircase repairs, door reinstatement, fireplace restoration, floorboard works, decorative plasterwork, and addressing water ingress.

Royal Mail Harrow Postal Office, Elmgrove Road, HA1 2AR

Planning permission was unanimously granted for a change of use at the Royal Mail Harrow Postal Office. The application sought to change the use from a sorting office (Sui Generis) to two separate units: Unit One for car repair, storage, and MOT services (Sui Generis), and Unit Two for a car showroom (Sui Generis). The committee agreed that the proposed uses would continue an appropriate industrial use on the site, generate employment, and contribute to the local economy without causing adverse impacts on the amenity of adjoining properties. Conditions were imposed regarding operating hours, MOT operations, delivery and servicing plans, parking management, and cycle parking.

26 Fallowfield, Stanmore, HA7 3DF

The committee refused planning permission for the demolition and redevelopment of 26 Fallowfield, Stanmore, to provide a three-storey detached dwelling. Councillor Marilyn Ashton proposed the refusal, citing concerns that the design would appear overbearing and out of keeping with the area due to its prominence, flat roofs, and the detriment to the residential and visual amenity of the locality. This was seconded by Councillor Zak Wagman and agreed by the committee. The decision to refuse was made by a majority vote, with Councillors Nitin Parekh, Simon Brown, and Rashmi Kalu abstaining.

The Hollies, Oxhey Lane, HA5 4AL

The committee voted to defer the application concerning the removal of conditions 5 and 6 (general permitted development) attached to a previous planning permission at The Hollies, Oxhey Lane. Councillor Marilyn Ashton proposed the deferral, stating that the committee was minded to grant the proposal, disagreeing with the officer's recommendation to refuse. The reasoning for deferral was that the proposal would not cause significant harm to the character of the area, given the typically large, detached houses in the vicinity. This was seconded by Councillor Christopher Baxter and agreed by a majority vote. Councillors Nitin Parekh, Simon Brown, and Rashmi Kalu voted against deferring the application.

Quarterly Q1 Appeals Report

The committee received a presentation on the appeals performance for Quarter 1. It was reported that Harrow Council had a 62% success rate in dismissed appeals during this period, with 13 out of 21 appeals being dismissed. Four applications for costs were submitted, none of which were successful. The report indicated a positive trend and overall improvement in appeal outcomes compared to previous quarters.