Temporary civic use at Brethrens Meeting Hall, North Harrow

“The applicant is seeking a temporary change of use from a former place of worship (Class F1) to a Council Chamber, Registry Office, and ancillary offices for up to five years.”

“The uses associated with the civic function will also include democratic services, citizenship ceremonies and public meetings.”

“The site comprises a single storey building towards the south western corner of the site which was formerly in use as a place of worship (Class F1). The site is predominantly hardsurfaced and benefits from 250 existing car parking spaces with soft landscaped areas.”

“The existing building is not statutorily listed and the site does not fall within a Conservation Area. The nearest town centre is Rayners Lane District Town Centre, which is approximately 1km walking distance to the east of the site. The site has a Public Transport Accessibility Level (PTAL) of 1b but is approximately 500m away from West Harrow Underground Station. The main vehicle and pedestrian access into the site is via a single entrance from The Ridgeway.”

“A summary of the relevant planning application history is set out below:”

“Detached single storey building to provide meeting hall with access and parking and junior football pitch with access and parking. Granted 11/12/1997”

“1) Agree the reasons for approval as set out in this report, and…”

“The proposed change of use to provide a civic function would bring back into use a community facility to the benefit of the local community. The proposal would be an appropriate use for the site for a temporary period of time and would not have a detrimental impact on the neighbouring amenity.”

“Principle • Residential Amenity • Transport • Development and Flood Risk • Secure by Design • Biodiversity • Fire Safety…”

“Parking Parking is not in line with London plan maximum standards. The car park is of a significant size, while the application should mitigate the impact of over spill parking on the surrounding highway network. Some justification or management of the car park area will be required. The exact layout and quantum of disabled parking facilities will be required.”

“The remaining matters raised by the Transport Officer in relation to cycle parking and servicing will be addressed by condition.”

“Prior to the first use of the building details of the siting and design of secure covered cycle parking capacity for 10 cycles shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The cycle parking facilities shall be…”

“Prior to the first use of the building, details of the siting, capacity and design of the refuse storage in accordance with the standards adopted by the Local Planning Authority at the time of the grant of planning permission shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.”

“1) Agree the reasons for approval as set out in the report, and 2) Grant planning permission subject to the Conditions listed in Appendix 1 of the report.”

“DECISION: GRANTED subject to the conditions set out in the Officer’s report and the tabled addendum.”