The Planning Committee of Harrow Council met on Wednesday 21 January 2026, discussing several planning applications and a significant policy matter regarding Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). The committee granted permission for a new care home at Oakleigh House, refused an application for an adult gaming centre on Station Road, and approved two residential conversion projects on Howberry Road and Whitchurch Lane. A key decision was made to proceed with an immediate Article 4 Direction across the borough to require planning permission for the conversion of dwelling houses into small HMOs.

Oakleigh House, 10 Oakleigh Road, Hatch End

The committee granted planning permission for the demolition of the existing building at Oakleigh House and its redevelopment into a two-storey care home with a basement and habitable roof space. The proposal includes 24 en-suite bedrooms and associated facilities. The decision was made subject to a Section 106 legal agreement covering biodiversity net gain monitoring, carbon offset contributions, and travel plan requirements. A specific condition was added to control the C2 use class, ensuring the premises are used solely for residential accommodation and care for adults in need of care. Councillor Samir Sumaria did not vote as he arrived after the presentation had commenced.

320 Station Road, Harrow

Planning permission was refused for the use of the ground floor of this building as an Adult Gaming Centre (Sui Generis). The refusal was based on the grounds that the proposed use, with 24-hour opening times, would be detrimental to the residential amenities of neighbouring properties due to noise and general disturbance. This decision was contrary to the officer's recommendation for approval.

109 Howberry Road, Stanmore

Permission was granted for the conversion of the existing dwelling into two self-contained flats (one three-bedroom and one two-bedroom) with associated parking, cycle and refuse stores, and private amenity spaces. External alterations, including the removal of a rear pergola, were also approved. The decision was granted by a majority vote, with Councillors Marilyn Ashton, Christopher Baxter, Samir Sumaria, and Zak Wagman abstaining.

280 & 282 Whitchurch Lane, Edgware

The committee granted planning permission for significant extensions and the conversion of two existing dwellinghouses into eight self-contained flats. This development includes a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom units. The approval is subject to a Section 106 legal agreement that will include car-free/parking permit restrictions and off-site Biodiversity Net Gain contributions. The decision was unanimous.

Any Other Urgent Business: Article 4 Direction on HMOs

The committee discussed and resolved, in principle, to adopt an immediate Article 4 Direction covering the entire borough. This direction will remove permitted development rights for the conversion of dwelling houses (Use Class C3) into small Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) (Use Class C4), meaning planning permission will be required for such changes of use. This decision was made due to concerns about the impact of HMOs on residential amenity, the limitations of licensing controls, and the risk of unmanaged conversions. The committee requested the Chief Planning Officer to bring a future report detailing the proposals, including legal and financial implications. Councillor Nitin Parekh expressed concerns about proceeding with an immediate direction without further information, particularly regarding potential financial implications, but acknowledged that the decision was an in-principle one. The confirmation of the Article 4 Direction will ultimately be subject to approval by the Secretary of State.