The Harrow Council Planning Committee met on 23 July 2025, and approved applications for a housing development on the Grange Farm Estate, a change of use for the Brethren's Meeting Hall, and two retrospective applications for housing in Roxborough Park and Norman Crescent. Councillor Marilyn Ashton, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regeneration, recused herself from the first two items due to a non-pecuniary interest.

Grange Farm Estate Phase 2A

The committee unanimously approved the full planning permission for Phase 2A of the Grange Farm Estate development [https://www.google.com/maps/search/Grange+Farm+Estate+Harrow/], located in South Harrow. The council-led scheme involves the construction of two buildings, Block A and Block B, ranging from three to four storeys, providing 45 new homes, 100% of which will be affordable housing.

Key aspects of the discussion included:

• Unilateral Undertaking: Councillor Nitin Parekh sought clarification on the shadow unilateral undertaking, a mechanism to protect the council's interests if the application was sold off, given the council cannot legally negotiate with itself.
• Substation: Concerns were raised about the location of a substation and potential noise. Officers confirmed that alternative locations were explored but deemed unsuitable by UKPN¹, the energy provider. A planning condition regarding noise levels will be implemented.
• Highways: Councillor Zach Wagman asked about the stopping up and realignment of Grange Farm Close. Officers clarified that this would be dealt with after planning permission is granted.
• Parking: Councillor Zach Wagman also raised a question about parking allocation, given there are fewer spaces than units. Officers stated that a car parking design and management plan would be created, and parking control restrictions would be included in the unilateral undertaking.
• Affordable Housing: Councillor Peymana Assad sought clarity on the affordable housing targets, particularly regarding returning Grange Farm Estate residents. Officers confirmed that 36 of the 45 units would be allocated to returning residents.
• Playground: Councillor Stephen Hickman asked about the playground, which is temporary and smaller in Phase 2A, with the remaining provision to be provided in future phases.
• Travel Plans: Councillor Stephen Hickman also raised the issue of travel plans and restrictions on construction vehicles, particularly on Roxeth Hill. Officers confirmed that a construction logistics plan is in place.
• Three-Bed Units: Councillor Parrott noted that the scheme was short of the 25% target for three-bedroom units in the new borough plan. Officers stated that the scheme includes 20% three-bedroom units, an uplift from the initial proposal, and a significant number of two-bedroom, four-person units.

Brethren's Meeting Hall

The committee unanimously approved the change of use of the Brethren's Meeting Hall [https://www.google.com/maps/search/Brethens+Meeting+Hall+Harrow/] on the Ridgeway in North Harrow, from a place of worship to a temporary civic use associated with the local authority. The temporary change of use is for a period of five years.

Key discussion points:

• Usage: Councillor Peymana Assad asked about the potential for the site to be used as a community hall with music, but officers clarified that the intended use is for civic functions, such as citizenship ceremonies, registry ceremonies, and council meetings.
• Entry System: Councillor Nitin Parekh raised concerns about the entry system and security, and officers confirmed that Harrow Council security staff would manage the operations.
• Covenants: Councillor Nitin Parekh also enquired about covenants on the land restricting certain uses, but officers clarified that covenants are not material planning considerations.

62 Roxborough Park

The committee unanimously approved the application for a change of use from a nine-bedroom care home to an 11-bedroom specialist accommodation unit at 62 Roxborough Park [https://www.google.com/maps/search/Roxborough+Park+Harrow/]. The proposal also included a single-storey rear extension and external alterations.

Key discussion points:

• Conditions: Councillor Marilyn Ashton, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regeneration, called in the application due to concerns about the use of the facility and the need to ensure it benefits Harrow residents. She highlighted the importance of conditions for a management plan and specific use of the premises.
• Enforceability: Councillor Nitin Parekh asked about the enforceability of the conditions.
• Accommodation Type: Councillor Samir Sumaria questioned who would be accommodated, and Councillor Marilyn Ashton clarified that it is not for vulnerable children, but rather for people who need somewhere to live, potentially to prevent homelessness.
• Entry System: Councillor Samir Sumaria also raised concerns about the entry system and security, and officers confirmed that the management plan would address these issues.
• Design and Crime: Councillor Samir Sumaria asked about concerns raised regarding design and crime, particularly regarding refuge storage and protection for rear gates. Officers confirmed that these issues were covered by conditions relating to cycle storage and refuse.
• Retrospective Application: Councillor Stephen Hickman asked if the application was retrospective, and officers clarified that it was a future application, although some works had already been carried out.

2 Oak Tree Close

The committee unanimously approved the demolition and redevelopment of the property at 2 Oak Tree Close [https://www.google.com/maps/search/Oak+Tree+Close+Harrow/] in Stanmore, to provide a two-storey detached dwelling.

Key discussion points:

• Annex: Councillor Zach Wagman asked about an annex at the back of the garden, and officers confirmed that it was a separate application with a certificate of lawfulness approval.
• Representations: Councillor Zach Wagman also asked about the number of representations in support and objection, and officers clarified the correct numbers.
• Area of Special Character: Councillor Zach Wagman enquired about a representation stating that Oak Tree Close forms part of a new local non-statutory planning designator named area of special character, and officers confirmed that no such designation has been adopted.
• Contentious Application: Councillor Marilyn Ashton, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regeneration, called in the application due to its contentious nature in the locality. She noted that there is an extant permission for a replacement house on the site, and there are no planning reasons to overturn the recommendation to grant.

106 Norman Crescent

The committee unanimously approved the retrospective planning application for the demolition of a dwellinghouse and redevelopment providing a detached two-storey dwellinghouse with habitable roof space at 106 Norman Crescent [https://www.google.com/maps/search/Norman+Crescent+Pinner/].

Key discussion points:

• Cycle Storage: Councillor Zach Wagman asked about cycle storage and whether it could be within the house. Officers clarified that policy requires it to be shown on the plans.
• Retrospective Nature: Councillor Marilyn Ashton, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regeneration, called in the application and explained that the local residents were upset because the original plan was for extensions, but the wall fell down, resulting in a redevelopment without planning permission. She stated that there is nothing wrong in law with building without planning permission, but it is inadvisable.

Councillor Christopher Baxter, Vice-Chairman of the Planning Committee, chaired the remainder of the meeting after Councillor Marilyn Ashton, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regeneration, left the room.