Harrow Council blocks flats on Stanmore station car park

Harrow Council’s planning bosses blocked proposals by Transport for London (TfL) for 277 new homes in buildings up to 11 storeys high at Stanmore Station. 

The scheme was slammed for being “out of character” with the area and one that “doesn’t meet local need” despite it being put forward as 100 per cent affordable. 

Tory councillor Marilyn Ashton said: “This development is totally out of the question.

“This 11-storey building is going to do substantial harm, not only to the conservation area but also to the character of the area. 

“There can be no justification for a development of this scale, mass, bulk, and height – end of.”

StanmoreTube station. Photo: Google

She was backed up by fellow Conservative councillor Ameet Jogia, who described the proposals as “monstrous” and said those living nearby were united in their opposition to the scheme. 

He said: “Having represented Canons ward since 2014, this is one of the single biggest issues that we’ve faced. 

“It’s an application that has brought communities together from all backgrounds, ages, and even political divides.” 

Cllr Jogia added the loss of 146 parking spaces at the site – a drop of almost 33 per cent – would “cause chaos” on surrounding roads. 

He said: “We should remember that this will bring about a significant loss of parking space. Stanmore Station is always full. Pre-Covid, if you get to the station at 7am on a weekday, it’s always full.

Stanmore station car park. Photo: Google

“It’s not just residents from Stanmore but people from across the country who use this car park. It’s a hub to our national stadium in Wembley, everyone flocks to Stanmore. 

“There’s already a huge strain on parking in the area and this would only make things worse.”

Harrow Council officers recommended the application be refused based on its size and scale and the impact this would have on the Kerry Park Avenue conservation area and the locally listed station building. 

Cllr Ashton argued this could be stronger – citing its impact on the wider area in Stanmore – and suggested not mentioning this could “leave the door open” to an appeal. 

However, her proposed amendment was turned down as the majority Labour committee voted in favour of the officers’ original recommendations.  

Jonathan Cornelius, head of property development at TfL, said: “We are very disappointed by the decision not to approve the planning application for the proposals for 100 per cent affordable housing at Stanmore. 

“The proposals offer the potential to deliver the genuinely affordable homes that the capital desperately needs, not least in Harrow where there is historic under-provision of such housing despite high demand. 

“The scheme would also improve step-free access via a lift and create new commercial opportunities. 

“We will consider our next steps, mindful of the fact that London has a housing crisis, and we are still committed to delivering thousands of homes across our estate.”