Former public toilets in Edgware are set to be transformed into seven new residential flats after Harrow Council's Planning Committee granted approval for the development.

The site, located on Whitchurch Lane, will see the demolition of the disused public convenience building to make way for a part three, part four-storey block. The new development will comprise a mix of seven flats, including two studios, two one-bedroom units, one two-bedroom unit, and two three-bedroom units.

The former public convenience building at Whitchurch Lane, Edgware, prior to its redevelopment into seven flats.
The former public convenience building at Whitchurch Lane, Edgware, prior to its redevelopment into seven flats.Source: Planning Committee papers, 28 May 2026

The scheme also includes provision for bin and cycle storage, landscaping, and new gates to a substation. The design features a biodiverse green roof and solar panels on the third floor.

During the planning committee meeting on Thursday, 28 May 2026, councillors discussed the application, noting that while previous applications for four-storey buildings on the site had been refused, the current three-to-four-storey design, with setbacks and appropriate materials, was deemed acceptable.

Previous applications for four-storey buildings on the site of the Former Public Convenience, Whitchurch Lane, Edgware, were refused due to: 'excessive height, unsatisfactory design, contrived layout, lack of setting space and insufficient set back from the highway, which would give rise to an unsatisfactory, inappropriate and visually obtrusive form of development which would fail to respect the context of development on adjacent sites, to the detriment of the character and appearance of the surrounding area'. The appeal against one of these refusals was dismissed.

Architectural drawing of a proposed front elevation for a building, detailing multiple floors, windows, and balconies, with associated height and level measurements.
Architectural drawing of a proposed front elevation for a building, detailing multiple floors, windows, and balconies, with associated height and level measurements.Source: Planning Committee papers, 28 May 2026

The decision was subject to a Section 106 agreement to secure biodiversity net gain contributions and restrict parking permits for future occupants. For this development, the Section 106 agreement will secure Biodiversity Net Gain contributions, both on-site and off-site. Furthermore, the agreement will include restrictions on future occupants applying for parking permits, as the development is located in a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) area.

The development is considered acceptable in principle, contributing to housing needs and optimising the use of a derelict site. More information on the meeting can be found in the Public reports pack.