The council’s planning chief has confirmed that a foundation representing Harrow School would need to apply for permission to build a much-opposed gate, adding: “I hope it does not come to that.”
Neighbours of Kingsfield Road, Harrow on the Hill, came together in protest after a notice put up by Harrow Council last month saying that Harrow Foundation, which leases the land to Harrow Council, have insisted the authority install a gate restricting public access sparked concerns.
Initially a deadline of August 26 was given to the council, else the lease would have been rendered invalid, however the foundation have since extended that deadline to October 7 following an uproar from neighbours.
Councillors gathered in the Civic Centre last night for a planning committee, and heard a petition from former Harrow on the Hill councillor Elieen Kinnear.
Addressing the panel, she said: “I think it is fair to say that this news about the closure [of potential access to the field] has caused outrage among the local community, many of whom have been protesting it.
“The open aspect and view into Church Fields as well as the area itself are much valued by residents.”
She then queried the cabinet member for planning, Councillor Keith Ferry (Labour), on whether or not the proposed gate would require planning permission.
Responding, Mr Ferry said: “The installation of a metal gate would require planning permission. We are yet to receive an application however.
“As you know we are all greatly interested in this gate. I hope we never have to look at a planning application, I hope it does not come to that.”
The council could have been faced with having to organise an emergency planning meeting in order to secure permission for the gate before the August 26 deadline, however officers focused their energy on securing an extension to the deadline so further discussions could take place before it came to that.
The authority have received petitions with more than 850 signatures opposing the proposed gate.
Solicitors informed the council that they would grant an extension to a date in October on August 22, only days before the gate would have to have been constructed.
