The Harrow Council Planning Committee met on Wednesday 25 June 2025, and approved six planning and certificate applications, while also noting a minor typographical error in the minutes of the previous meeting. Councillor Christopher Baxter, Vice-Chairman of the Planning Committee, declared a pecuniary interest in agenda item 2/04, and Councillor Marilyn Ashland, Chairman of the Planning Committee and Deputy Leader of the Council, declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda item 2/01.

Here's a breakdown of the key discussions:

• Ionic Apartments, 79 Bessborough Road The committee approved a retrospective application for the retention of a three-storey building, comprising 11 flats (9 existing, 2 proposed); landscaping; bin and cycle stores, insertion of the two rear roof terraces and the insertion of 12 windows, subject to a Section 106 agreement¹. The Section 106 agreement includes an off-site affordable housing contribution of £192,320, a £1,500 contribution towards amending the traffic order for parking permit restrictions, and a £1,140 contribution for off-site children's play space. Councillor Zak Wagman raised concerns about ensuring the children's play space contribution would be used for its intended purpose, and about the adequacy of bin storage for the increased number of units. It was clarified that the play space contribution would go into general council funds earmarked for the ward, and that the existing bin storage was deemed adequate. Councillor Nitin Parekh commented that only 15% of the £1,100 would go to the ward. The Harrow Hill Trust had objected to the retrospective planning application on the basis that the two roof flats represent poor quality accommodation as there is very little immunity space. Councillor Christopher Baxter noted that the CGI's for the approved elevations from the 2018 application and the proposed front and side elevations made it appear that the current application has a much larger third floor. Councillor Marilyn Ashland said that it was not ideal to build something not in accordance with planning permission, but that there were no sustainable grounds to refuse the application.

• 40 Sequoia Park, Pinner The committee approved routine maintenance tree works to a protected English oak, involving a crown reduction of 2 metres in height and spread. Councillor Marilyn Ashland noted the tree's beauty and estimated its age to be around 150 years.

• 26 Marsworth Avenue, Hatch End The committee approved a retrospective application for a single-storey outbuilding in the rear garden. Councillor Marilyn Ashland called the application in due to objections related to the removal of trees in a conservation area². While acknowledging that it's not ideal to remove trees or build without permission in a conservation area, she found no sustainable planning reason to refuse the application.

• 4 Fairholme Road The committee approved amendments to a previously approved development to create a three-storey building with 9 flats and new office space, subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement preventing future occupiers from obtaining resident parking permits. Councillor Zak Wagman asked about comments from the Secure by Design Officer, and it was confirmed that ongoing discussions were taking place to achieve accreditation. Councillor Christopher Baxter commented on the difference in angles of the CGI's for the approved elevations from the 2018 application and the proposed front and side elevations. Councillor Marilyn Ashland said that she was not keen on how this was going to look in the street scene, and abstained from the vote.

• West Harrow Allotments The committee approved a certificate of lawful proposed development for the placement of two 20-foot storage containers on the allotment site. Councillor Samir Sumaria asked about the visibility of the containers from nearby houses, and it was clarified that while they would be partly visible, visual impact wasn't a factor in assessing the application. Councillor Zak Wagman enquired about the management and security of the containers, and was informed that the allotment association would be responsible. Councillor Christopher Baxter declared a pecuniary interest as he and his ward colleague intended to fund the containers from their ward NCIL funds, and left the room during the discussion and vote.

• The Hollies, Oxhey Lane The committee approved the removal of conditions restricting permitted development rights³ attached to a 1996 planning permission, against officer recommendations. Councillor Marilyn Ashland proposed granting the application, stating that it would do no significant harm to the character of the area, which is characterised by large, detached houses. Councillor Ghazanfar Ali repeated the reason for refusal, and said that the plot has been carved off a big plot and it would look completely different from other properties. The committee voted to grant the application, with Councillors Nitin Parekh, Ghazanfar Ali and Peymana Assad voting against.