The Harrow Council Planning Committee met on 25 September 2025, and refused a major application to demolish buildings at Traveller's Rest, 134 Kenton Road and construct a mixed-use development. The committee also deferred a decision on a planning application for 3 Gerald Road, and approved applications for Pinner Cricket Club, Harrow College and Bentley Wood High School.

Travellers Rest, 134 Kenton Road

The committee refused planning permission for the demolition of existing buildings at Traveller's Rest, 134 Kenton Road and the construction of a 4-7 storey building with 109 residential units, 103 co-living units, and a drinking establishment. Councillor Marilyn Ashton, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Planning & Regeneration, proposed refusal on the grounds 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 committee voted unanimously to refuse the application.

During the meeting, a planning officer noted a correction to paragraph 1.6 of the reports pack, stating that the Emerging Local Plan's designation of the site for a hotel should be considered as having no weight due to its removal during a public examination. They also noted that paragraph 2.3 incorrectly referred to a pedestrian connection to Belmont Trail, which does not exist.

Sanjay Shah, a local resident, raised concerns about the height of the development, potential lack of daylight for nearby properties, parking issues, strain on public services, and the loss of a community space. Nicola Foster from Savills, representing the applicant Whitbread, stated that the scheme had been reduced in height along Carlton Avenue in response to concerns raised during public consultation, and that a full daylight-sunlight assessment had been undertaken. Councillor Kanti Rabadia highlighted concerns about the appropriateness of the development, its impact on daylight and sunlight, parking provisions, and flood risk.

3 Gerard Road, Harrow

The committee deferred a decision on the application for the construction of a two-storey semi-detached dwelling with a basement at 3 Gerard Road. Councillor Ashton proposed deferral, and Councillor Zak Wagman seconded it, so that the construction method statement could be reviewed by a structural engineer. The committee also agreed to a site visit.

During the meeting, a planning officer stated that the planning permission sought to rebuild the house in very much the same footprint, barring the extra depth to the single-story rear at the rear, and that the recommendation was for approval. Councillor Ghazanfar Ali raised concerns about flood risk, subsidence, fire safety, and overdevelopment.

Diane Superior, a local resident, raised concerns about the scale of the development, light issues, and the impact of the basement on her property. A representative of the Residents Association, Mr. De Silva, expressed concerns about the scale and design of the proposed house, its impact on the street scene, and the lack of reference to a planning report. Sam De Silva, the agent for the applicant, stated that the proposal complied with planning policies and addressed concerns regarding neighbour amenity and technical risks. Councillor Rashmi Kalu raised concerns about the design, scale, and impact of the proposal, and requested a site visit.

Pinner Cricket Club, Montesole Playing Fields

The committee voted unanimously to grant planning permission for an extension to the cricket lane net facility at Pinner Cricket Club, Montesole Playing Fields.

During the meeting, a planning officer stated that the proposal was to have two new cricket nets next to the existing one, and that the application was recommended for approval subject to conditions to provide biodiversity net gain uplift.

Harrow College, Brookshill

The committee voted unanimously to grant planning permission for the installation of a temporary two-storey modular building at Harrow College, Brookshill.

During the meeting, a planning officer stated that the application was for a temporary modular building for new classroom accommodation, and that the building had already been erected and occupied. Councillor Christopher Baxter asked if the building had been constructed before the application was counted, and the planning officer confirmed that it had. The planning officer also stated that the application site was in the Green Belt, and that the development proposal was deemed to be an appropriate development within the Green Belt because it was located within close proximity to the adjacent college buildings, and would cater to SEND¹ students in an existing educational facility.

Bentley Wood High School, Binyon Crescent

The committee voted unanimously to grant planning permission for a pick-up and drop-off area and staff parking area at Bentley Wood High School, Binyon Crescent.

During the meeting, a planning officer stated that the application was for a pick-up and drop-off area and staff parking area, and that the application site was in the Green Belt. Councillor Peymana Assad asked why they were asking for more staff parking when the main issue was the pick-up and drop-off of students, and the planning officer stated that the school was seeking to bring a portion of staff parking back onto site because a lot of the teachers park on Macefield Avenue and Sitwell, which was causing issues for local residents.