The Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, has intervened in a contentious housing development proposal in Harrow, taking over the decision-making authority after the local council rejected the plans. The project involves the demolition of a Beefeater restaurant and a Premier Inn hotel on Carlton Avenue, Kenton, to make way for residential buildings. This decision follows the refusal issued by the Harrow Council’s Planning Committee on December 1, 2023, which deemed the application “overbearing and out of character” for the suburban area.
Harrow Council had previously declined the application to transform the site, which currently houses The Travellers Rest pub and the Premier Inn, into four to seven-storey residential buildings. The committee expressed concerns that the proposed structures would disrupt the local character of Kenton, a predominantly suburban neighborhood. The Chair of the Planning Committee, Cllr Marilyn Ashton, emphasized the community’s disapproval, stating, “I understand why lots and lots of people are upset about it.”
Mayor Advocates for Housing Development
Despite the council’s stance, Sir Sadiq Khan has “called in” the application, meaning he will determine its fate. The Mayor believes that the development could provide “a significant and positive contribution” toward meeting local housing needs. The proposal includes plans for 109 flats and 103 co-living units, as well as a commitment to delivering 35 percent affordable housing.
In her remarks, Cllr Ashton criticized the project as “unacceptable,” arguing that its urban design does not fit the suburban landscape. She highlighted that the scale of the buildings, as depicted in the visual representations, appeared more suitable for an urban Opportunity Area rather than a residential suburb. “To me, that looks like a building that should be in an Opportunity Area and be a lot taller,” she stated.
Next Steps for the Development Proposal
With Sir Sadiq Khan now responsible for the decision, the Greater London Authority (GLA) has indicated that a public hearing will occur, likely at City Hall. This hearing will allow the Mayor to hear perspectives from Harrow Council, the applicant Whitbread PLC, which owns both the hotel and restaurant, and any residents wishing to voice support or opposition to the scheme.
Typically, decisions on such applications are made swiftly, often within an hour. However, the Mayor retains the option to defer the decision for up to five working days, should he require additional time to consider the implications of the project.
This development reflects ongoing challenges in balancing the demand for housing in London with community concerns regarding local character and infrastructure. As the decision unfolds, it highlights the complexities of urban planning in a city striving to meet its housing targets while respecting the unique character of its neighborhoods.
