Plans for 178 homes on site of church hall rejected after appeal

The planning inspectorate dismissed an appeal by developers to build 178 homes across nine blocks up to seven storeys high in The Ridgeway in West Harrow. 

Inspector Guy Davies said the plans would “cause harm to the character and appearance of the area” and would spoil the “quiet enjoyment” offered at the allotments. 

He also criticised the low level of affordable housing on offer – just 34 flats were put forward as affordable – and said the scheme could harm local plants and wildlife. 

Mr Davies acknowledged there were some benefits to the development, such as improved access to West Harrow Station, but that these did not outweigh its potential harm. 

Harrow Council rejected the plans at its own hearing in July 2021 where councillors suggested the applicant, The Harrow Gospel Hall Trust, had “a lack of understanding of the local area” and had failed to grasp the feeling of opposition.  At the planning meeting, Cllr Stephen Greek pointed out more than 1,000 people opposed the scheme.

The Harrow Gospel Hall site. Credit: Google Maps

The new chairman of Harrow Council’s planning committee, Cllr Marilyn Ashton, said she was “delighted” with the outcome and that it was a “great result for the area”. 

She said: “I’m absolutely delighted. The decision was upheld for all the right reasons and we were successful on every count. It’s long overdue. We’re now working on a supplementary planning document to stop buildings like this – high-rise, high-density buildings – being built in our suburban areas.”

Those opposed to the plans said the land should be protected under a planning covenant imposed by the council. When this issue was raised in 2020, then Harrow Council leader Cllr Graham Henson said the Gospel Hall Trust was entitled to apply for planning permission at the site.

Harrow West MP Gareth Thomas has been following the campaign from the outset and he too was pleased to see the appeal refused. He said: “I am delighted that the planning inspector has confirmed the rejection of this planning application. 

“It would have had a huge impact on West Harrow, causing environmental damage, and would have been completely out of keeping with the local area. Over 25 years ago, when I was a young councillor, I remember being disappointed by the sale of this land to the Plymouth Brethren. 

“I understand the strong feeling of betrayal felt by many residents, as the trust has continued to let us down over the past few years. In good faith, residents supported the Harrow Gospel Hall Trust to build on the land with no expectation that they would sell and develop it for so much money with so little regard for local people, only some years later. 

“I and I’m sure many other groups locally will be watching their next moves closely.”

The Harrow Gospel Hall Trust and its planning agent Daniel Watney LLP have been contacted for comment.