Highlights
- Harrow Council refused plans to convert first-floor office space at 45–47 Station Road, North Harrow into a Hindu temple with a maximum capacity of 45 people.
- Planning officers raised concerns about insufficient landscaping information for a proposed roof garden.
- Security concerns were raised about the temple's only access being through a solicitor's office and an unsecured rear fire escape.
Landscaping details missing
Planning officers said there was insufficient information about the landscaping of a proposed first-floor roof garden included in the application.
Officers stated: "No detailed information has been provided in relation to the design, layout, planting, surfacing or overall landscape treatment of the proposed roof garden.
In the absence of such information, it is not possible to provide meaningful comments on its visual impact, functionality, or contribution to biodiversity."
Significant security concerns were also raised about access arrangements to the proposed temple.
Planning documents noted the only access to the temple would be via the solicitor's office on the ground floor and a narrow metal fire escape staircase at the rear with no access control.
A submission from a Secured by Design perspective stated: "The risk of crime and ASB to all types of religious premises is high, and any new religious premises should have full SBD approval.
This development is not a suitable location for a temple as it cannot be made secure with the submitted plans."
Safety concerns were also raised about the space adjacent to the external steps, with officers stating it "would need to be made safe to ensure there is no risk."
