The Planning Committee of Harrow Council met on Wednesday 24 June 2026 to discuss several planning applications. Key decisions included the approval of a change of use for Le Beau House to a teaching facility for John Lyon School, and the grant of listed building consent for essential repair works at Chestnut Cottage. The committee also approved a new dwelling at 3 Gerard Road, following extensive discussion and consideration of previous refusals.

Le Beau House, 76 West Street, Harrow on the Hill

The committee granted planning permission for a change of use at Le Beau House, 76 West Street, from an office (Use Class E) to a teaching facility (Use Class F1(a)) for John Lyon School. This change of use will accommodate up to 67 sixth form students, bringing the total student capacity for the school to 667. The decision was subject to a legal agreement to cap student numbers and restrict the hours of use.

Concerns were raised by residents regarding potential increases in traffic, noise, and overlooking. While the Transport Statement indicated no significant adverse impact, residents highlighted issues with traffic congestion and noise during school run times. The Environmental Health Officer initially raised objections regarding noise impact assessments but later withdrew them subject to conditions. The committee acknowledged the historical Section 106 agreement limiting student numbers at the wider John Lyon School site, but noted that this application site was not covered by that agreement. A legal agreement was deemed necessary to manage the impact of the increased student numbers at Le Beau House.

Councillor Peymana Assad, Deputy Leader of the Labour Group, questioned the potential for future increases in pupil numbers, but was assured by officers that the Section 106 agreement would provide an upper limit. Councillor Marilyn Ashton, Chair of the committee, acknowledged the changing landscape of sixth form education and the financial pressures on independent schools, suggesting that the proposal was a modest, carefully controlled, policy-compliant proposal. The application was ultimately granted with a vote of seven in favour and no against, with two abstentions.

3 Gerard Road, Harrow

The committee granted planning permission for the construction of a new two-storey semi-detached dwelling at 3 Gerard Road. This decision followed a previous refusal of a similar application in February 2026, which cited concerns over scale, bulk, massing, design, and the impact on residential amenity. The revised proposal addressed these concerns by omitting the basement, reducing the depth of the rear extension, and adjusting the porch design.

During the debate, residents expressed concerns about the development's scale, design, and potential impact on the character of the street, arguing it was an overdevelopment and out of keeping with the existing semi-detached properties. The applicant, Mr. Raj Kumar Ven, emphasized that the proposal was for a family home and that he had listened to concerns, making significant amendments to the design. Councillor Rashmi Kalu, speaking on behalf of the Labour Group, proposed refusal based on scale, bulk, massing, design, and the impact on residential amenity, arguing it was contrary to local and national planning policies.

However, Councillor Ashton, while acknowledging the difficulties faced by neighbours due to the previous house's collapse, ultimately supported the revised application. She highlighted the removal of the basement and the reduction in the rear extension's size as significant improvements. She also noted that the site had been vacant for a considerable time and that rebuilding was necessary for the amenity of the neighbouring property at No. 1 Gerard Road. The committee voted to grant permission, with the refusal motion failing to be seconded.

Chestnut Cottage, Church Lane, Pinner

Listed Building Consent was granted for extensive repair and restoration works at Chestnut Cottage, a Grade II listed timber-framed building dating back to the 16th century. The works are necessary due to the building's poor structural condition, which necessitated urgent stabilisation measures, including the removal of a chimney stack. The proposed works involve rebuilding walls and foundations, repairing and replacing timber framing, re-tiling the roof, and installing underfloor heating and insulation.

The application was presented to the committee due to the extent of the proposed alterations. The Conservation Officer's report highlighted the building's historical significance and the necessity of the works for its preservation. Historic England and the Greater London Archaeological Advisory Service (GLAAS) were consulted, with GLAAS recommending a pre-commencement condition for a written scheme of historic building investigation to safeguard archaeological interest. The Ecology Officer also advised on measures to protect bats, recommending conditions for a precautionary working method statement and appropriate roofing membranes. The committee granted consent, subject to a schedule of conditions.

23 Elms Road, Harrow Weald

Listed Building Consent was granted for the conversion of a garage into a habitable room, along with alterations to the front elevation, roof extensions, and the installation of rooflights. The property is owned by council employees. No objections were received from neighbours. The proposal was deemed to be in keeping with the character and appearance of the host property and the surrounding area, and not to unduly impinge on neighbouring amenities. The committee granted permission, subject to conditions.

Planning Appeals Performance Report

Greg Wiggins presented a report on the council's planning appeal performance for the first quarter of 2026. The council had a dismissal rate of just under 77%, with 23 out of 30 appeals dismissed. Householder appeals performed particularly strongly, with six out of seven dismissed. The report also detailed cost decisions made against the council, with one partial award and four refusals. Councillor Ashton inquired about the general cost of defending appeals, and Viv Evans, Head of Development Management, explained that costs varied significantly depending on the appeal type, ranging from near zero for written representations to over £100,000 for public inquiries. The committee congratulated the officers on the strong appeal performance.

The meeting also included a farewell to Orla Murphy, Head of Development Management, who was moving to Enfield Council. Councillors Ashton and Assad paid tribute to her work and wished her well.