Controversial plans for a huge banqueting hall on the site of a former golf course were booted out by councillors over fears they would lead to traffic chaos.
Harrow Council planning bosses unanimously rejected the plans for a 500-plus guest facility at the former Stanmore and Edgware Golf Centre in Brockley Hill near Elstree.
Developer Sairam Holdings wanted to build the hall on the golf course as its current site in Wealdstone town centre is set to make way for the new Harrow Civic Centre.
The application was met with strong opposition from neighbouring residents with at least 750 objections submitted. They said it would have a damaging effect on the area.
The complained about inadequate parking at the site that could lead to bad traffic in nearby residential streets and added any plans to operate a park and ride scheme would be unsuitable as there would be limited access for coaches.
Residents also raised concerns around the potential for late-night and early morning noise during events at the hall.
They also questioned the loss of a community sports facility, which could be replaced if a different scheme was put forward, and the impact the hall would have on local plants and wildlife.
Several Harrow councillors agreed with their constituents’ views, pointing out that the proposed building would damage the area's green belt land.
Cllr Simon Brown said the scheme was "completely inappropriate", while Cllr Marilyn Ashton said it was a "seriously flawed application" and to approve it would "seriously defy logic".
Cllr Philip Benjamin, who serves nearby Stanmore Park, criticised the lack of parking options, which he said would lead to "congestion and safety issues on residential roads".
He added the Covid-19 pandemic has shown it is important to project green, open spaces and, if this project went ahead, this would be at risk of being lost.
The application had been deferred on two occasions to allow the developer to provide further information to support its case.
Despite this, Harrow Council officers felt they could not approve the application and recommended the committee refuse it.
Sairam Holdings did not make any representations at the planning meeting, which was held on November 17.
On June 29 2020, the clubhouse at Stanmore and Edgware Golf Club was destroyed in a fire, around nine months after it closed.
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