The Planning Committee of Harrow Council met on Wednesday 21 January 2026, with Councillor Marilyn Ashton, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Planning & Regeneration, chairing the meeting. The committee considered several planning applications, including a proposal for a new care home, the change of use of a ground floor unit to an adult gaming centre, and the conversion of existing dwellings into multiple flats. A significant discussion also took place regarding the introduction of an Article 4 Direction to control the conversion of dwelling houses into Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

Oakleigh House, 10 Oakleigh Road, Hatch End, Pinner

The committee granted planning permission for the demolition of the existing building at Oakleigh House and its redevelopment to provide a new two-storey care home with a basement and habitable roof space. The proposal includes 24 en-suite bedrooms, communal facilities, and associated landscaping, parking, and refuse storage. The decision was made subject to a Section 106 legal agreement covering biodiversity net gain monitoring, carbon offset contributions, and travel plan requirements. Councillor Nitin Parekh's point about the clarity of the use class description (C2) was noted, and a condition was added to specify that the use would be for a residential care home for adults in need of care.

320 Station Road, Harrow

In a unanimous decision, the committee refused planning permission for the use of the ground floor at 320 Station Road as an Adult Gaming Centre. The refusal was based on concerns that the proposed 24-hour operation would be detrimental to the residential amenities of neighbouring properties due to noise and general disturbance, contrary to local and London Plan policies. Councillor Stephen Hickman proposed the refusal, seconded by Councillor Christopher Baxter.

109 Howberry Road, Stanmore

The committee granted planning permission for the conversion of the dwelling at 109 Howberry Road into two self-contained flats (one three-bedroom and one two-bedroom). The proposal includes associated parking, cycle and refuse stores, private amenity spaces, and external alterations, including the removal of a rear pergola. The decision was granted subject to conditions, including those related to landscaping, car parking management, cycle storage, bin storage, fire safety, and the restriction of permitted development rights to prevent conversion into HMOs. Councillor Zak Wagman, who called in the application, expressed personal reservations about conversions but acknowledged that there were no planning grounds for refusal.

280 & 282 Whitchurch Lane, Edgware

Planning permission was granted for the conversion of the two existing detached dwellings at 280 & 282 Whitchurch Lane into eight self-contained flats. The proposal includes two-storey front, side, and rear extensions, alterations to the roofs, and associated access, parking, landscaping, bin, and cycle storage. The decision was subject to a Section 106 legal agreement to restrict parking permits for future occupants and secure off-site biodiversity net gain contributions. The committee also requested that the Chief Planning Officer bring back a future report detailing proposals for an Article 4 Direction covering the whole borough.

Any Other Urgent Business: Introduction of an Article 4 Direction for HMOs

The committee considered a supplementary agenda item regarding the introduction of an immediate Article 4 Direction to remove permitted development rights for the conversion of dwelling houses into small Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). This means that planning permission will now be required for such changes of use across the entire borough. The committee resolved, in principle, to adopt the Article 4 Direction, subject to the necessary supporting evidence being presented to a future meeting. They also requested the Chief Planning Officer to bring a detailed report on the proposals, including legal and financial implications, to a future Planning Committee meeting. Councillor Nitin Parekh raised concerns about the immediate implementation without full details on financial implications, but the committee ultimately voted to proceed, acknowledging the risks but deeming them acceptable. The Chair, Councillor Marilyn Ashton, highlighted the urgency due to increasing pressures from small HMOs and the desire to address resident concerns.