More than 1,000 residents have rejoiced as plans for a high-rise development on the site of a former church hall were booted out.

Harrow Council’s planning bosses unanimously refused permission for nearly 200 new homes across nine buildings in The Ridgeway, West Harrow. 

Councillors criticised the “cavalier approach” of the applicant, The Harrow Gospel Hall Trust, and suggested it had a “lack of understanding of the local area” at a meeting on July 28.

Conservative councillor Stephen Greek pointed out over 1,000 people opposed the plans, which sought to provide 178 flats, 34 of which would have been deemed affordable, in blocks up to seven storeys. 

Cllr Greek said: “Having first seen these proposals in 2019 as part of the major development’s panel, it was very clear that a scheme like this, at this scale, would be completely unacceptable on this site.

“There is a massive increase in density at this very sensitive site with playing fields, allotments and designated open space. 

“Seven storeys is out of character for the area and will tower above neighbouring properties – this is not a suitable location for tall buildings.”

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Labour councillor Christine Robson said she had been left “puzzled and troubled from the outset” by the application, particularly given it “would not help Harrow’s goal to provide more affordable housing”. 

Her West Harrow ward colleague, Cllr Adam Swersky, added the proposals would result in “a fundamental change to the character of the area”. 

He also took aim at the applicant’s decision to cut down a number of mature trees at the site in the run up to the planning meeting, describing it as an “utterly cynical destruction”. 

Those opposed to the plans were concerned it would impact on the area’s limited green space and would have a detrimental effect on the neighbouring “much cherished” allotments. 

They were pleased to see an additional reason for refusal added by councillors, which was initially left out by Harrow Council planning officers, which criticised the bulk, scale and height of the proposals. 

Daniel Watney LLP, the agent representing the applicant, has been contacted for comment.