Harrow Council has granted planning permission to demolish the former Post Office in Harrow town centre and replace it with a 10-storey block containing 104 co-living units, despite objections from local residents and business groups over the development's height and potential impact on the area.
The proposals for College Road include demolishing two buildings at the rear of a listed building to make way for the new co-living accommodation, along with amenities. The decision was made by the Harrow Council Planning Committee on Tuesday, October 6, following consideration of concerns raised during the consultation process.
Objections cite 'eyesore' and congestion fears
One redacted objection stated that the new building would be a "massive eyesore" and that adding over 100 apartments to Harrow town centre would create significant congestion. The objection also highlighted the loss of natural light for surrounding buildings and residents, noting: "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 (BID) submitted a formal objection, raising concerns about the effect on the town's character, town centre density, and a loss of privacy for neighbours, among other issues. Speaking about the excessive height, the 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."
Council deems development 'appropriate' for regeneration
Despite these concerns, planning officers concluded that the development would be appropriate and would support the area's regeneration. According to Harrow Council, the proposal represents a "substantial redevelopment and intensification of an underutilised site within the Harrow Metropolitan Town Centre."
The permission was granted subject to Section 106 approval, but officers noted 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.
