Harrow Council's Planning Committee has approved a significant seven-storey development at 382-384 Station Road, which will see the demolition of the existing building to make way for 12 residential flats and ground-floor commercial space.
The decision, made at a meeting on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, was contingent on a Section 106 legal agreement. This agreement mandates financial contributions towards sustainable transport, including £10,000 for feasibility studies for cycle lanes and traffic reduction on Station and Lyon Roads, and £3,000 for CPZ permit restrictions. A further £9,000 will fund on-street Blue Badge parking spaces.
The development will also incorporate construction training initiatives. The developer is required to submit a Training and Recruitment Plan for approval before work commences. This plan will outline employment and training opportunities designed to facilitate job transitions and sustainable employment outcomes, with specific timings and monitoring mechanisms. A financial contribution of £2,500 per £1 million of build cost (£12,500) will support the management and delivery of this training programme. Penalty clauses will be enforced if local employment, work experience, or apprenticeship targets outlined in the plan are not met.
Concerns were raised during the meeting regarding the development's height and its impact on protected views. Specifically, the proposed seven-storey building would project above the permitted height within the corridor of protected views towards St Mary's Church Spire. However, council officers deemed the impact acceptable, citing that the view affected is a 'finite and largely static view along Station and Gayton Road towards Harrow on the Hill'. They noted that the Spire would retain satisfactory visibility from designated Viewpoint 8 in the views management guidance. The proximity of the site to taller existing buildings and its location within an opportunity area were also considered mitigating factors.
The ground-floor commercial space is designated for Class E(g) use, specifically for office purposes, aiming to maintain an active frontage on Station Road. No potential tenants have been identified at this stage.
The full details of the planning committee meeting can be found in the public reports pack for Wednesday, July 22, 2026. Public reports pack Wednesday 22-Jul-2026 18.30 Planning Committee
