The Planning Committee of Harrow Council met on Thursday 25 September 2025. The committee refused a major application for the redevelopment of The Traveller's Rest pub site in Kenton Road, citing concerns about the scale and urban character of the proposed development being out of keeping with the suburban locality. The committee also deferred a decision on the redevelopment of 3 Gerard Road, pending a site visit and further review of construction method statements for the proposed basement. Planning permission was granted for new cricket nets at Pinner Cricket Club, temporary classroom accommodation at Harrow College, and improvements to the drop-off and parking facilities at Bentley Wood High School.

The Traveller's Rest, 134 Kenton Road, HA3 8AT

The committee refused planning permission for the demolition of the existing Traveller's Rest pub and hotel to make way for a four to seven-storey development comprising 109 residential units, 103 co-living units, and a 472 sqm drinking establishment. Councillor Kanti Rabadia, speaking as a non-member of the committee, had requested to speak on this application.

The primary reason for refusal, proposed by Councillor Zak Wagman and seconded by Councillor Christopher Baxter, was that The proposal was overbearing and of character within a locality which is suburban in character comprising typically low rise buildings with conventional roof lines, whereas the design is far more urban in character, and is lacking in conventional suburban and in keeping design features, thereby making the entire development appear as incongruous in the street scene to the detriment of the amenities within the locality and contrary to CS1 Harrow Core Strategy (2012), DM1 Development Management Policy (2013), GR1 New Local Plan 2021-2041 and D3 London Plan (2021).

The application had been recommended for approval by officers, subject to a legal agreement covering affordable housing, build-to-rent obligations, training and employment initiatives, financial contributions for local infrastructure, and transport improvements. However, the committee voted unanimously to refuse the application.

3 Gerard Road, Harrow, HA1 2ND

The committee deferred a decision on the proposed creation of a semi-detached two-storey dwelling with a basement level and habitable roof space at 3 Gerard Road. The deferral was requested by Councillor Wagman and seconded by Councillor Ghazanfar Ali, to allow for a site visit and for the Construction Method Statement for the basement to be reviewed by a structural engineer to ensure its safe construction and stability. Objectors Diana Saperia and Jon Spain, and applicant Sam De Silva, had made representations on this application.

Pinner Cricket Club, Montesole Playing Fields, Grimsdyke Road, HA5 3SA

Planning permission was unanimously granted for the extension of cricket lane two net facility to a four-lane net facility at Pinner Cricket Club. The proposal was considered to comply with land use policies, enhance sports facilities, and have an acceptable impact on character, design, residential amenity, highways safety, and biodiversity.

Harrow College, Brookshill, Harrow Weald, HA3 6RR

The committee unanimously granted planning permission for the temporary installation of a two-storey Portakabin building to provide classrooms and office space for a period of five years at Harrow College. The temporary nature of the development, coupled with very special circumstances related to the need for specialist educational facilities for SEND pupils, were considered to outweigh the harm to the Green Belt. The building has already been erected and is in use.

Bentley Wood High School, Binyon Crescent, Stanmore, HA7 3NA

Unanimous planning permission was granted for the creation of a vehicle access and drop-off area, staff car parking for 16 vehicles, cycle storage, and associated infrastructure at Bentley Wood High School. The proposal was deemed to improve access and traffic management without adversely impacting the Green Belt, residential amenity, or highway safety. Conditions were attached regarding landscaping, a travel plan, site access details, signage, boundary treatments, and cycle storage.