Harrow Council has approved plans to convert a former post office in the town centre into flats, despite opposition from some locals who called it a “massive eyesore”.
The proposals include demolishing two buildings at the rear of a listed building to make way for 104 co-living units.
Objections from residents and BID
Harrow Council Planning Committee granted planning permission for the flats on Tuesday, despite objections from one resident who said the building would create significant congestion in the area. The objection read: “This proposed tower will be a massive eyesore in the middle of the town centre – and naturally blocks so much natural light for surrounding buildings and people living in the area. For many in Percival Square, this will have a material impact on our view, for which we had to pay a huge premium.”
In February 2026, the Harrow Town Centre Business Improvement District submitted its formal objection to the plans, citing concerns about the effect on the town’s character, town centre density, and a loss of privacy for neighbours, among other issues.
Concerns over height and massing
Speaking about the excessive height, the Harrow Town Centre BID said: “The proposed part 5, part 10-storey rear block represents a substantial and overbearing form of development that is out of keeping with the prevailing scale and character of College Road and its surrounding area.
“The height and massing would dominate neighbouring properties, resulting in visual harm to the streetscape and wider townscape.”
While the concerns were considered by the planning officers, they concluded that the development would be appropriate. The proposal was also considered to support the area’s regeneration.
This is because, according to Harrow Council, the proposal represents a “substantial redevelopment and intensification of an underutilised site within the Harrow Metropolitan Town Centre”.
Permission granted with conditions
Yet, while the permission was granted subject to Section 106 approval, the officers did outline that the £161,000 contribution fell substantially below the amount expected in the council’s policy.
The plans also include a new cafe and a co-working space in the listed building, with the ground floor changed into a cafe and event or co-working space open to the public. The first and second floors are set to be converted into co-living accommodation.
