The listed college building is said to have “gradually deteriorated” due to age and weathering
A Grade II listed building owned by a North London college is to be turned into a healthcare centre, including GP surgeries and community care facilities, following unanimous approval by Harrow Council’s planning committee.
The building has most recently been used as an administrative office serving the college but has “gradually deteriorated” due to age and weathering, according to the applicant. Harrow, Richmond and Uxbridge College has now been granted permission to convert the building – known as The White House – into a community health hub that can be used by local residents and students.
The GP services will be provided by a relocated and expanded Headstone Road Practice within its current catchment area. The relocated Headstone Practice will continue to serve its existing patients but will be expanded to include additional rooms, alongside ‘wrap around’ support services through the provision of a primary health care hub.
The change of use will be facilitated by works including the installation of a bay window and door at the front, the demolition of the existing conservatory, as well as the creation of parking spaces and a footpath.
The college says the work will involve the “sensitive alteration and adaptation” of The White House, whilst retaining the “historic character” of the Grade II listed building. Concerns were raised that the building is owned by a college “in the control of the council” and has been allowed to deteriorate in order to get an application approved “that would normally not [be]”.
The circa 1830 White House is a former residential building that has more recently been used for administrative purposes and offices to service the college. Planning consultant, Union4, claims activities have “greatly reduced over time” before ceasing in 2024 and is now a “drain on the college resources”.
The plans had been recommended for approval by Harrow Council officers, who said the proposal is “appropriate and sustainable” and, whilst they “would cause harm” to the special interest of the listed building, this has been “weighted against the public benefits” of providing enhanced healthcare facilities and securing a viable long-term use for the building.
Speaking at the planning committee meeting on Wednesday (September 2), Chair Marilyn Ashton said: “I think this is a really good use of this building. I think that it’ll improve the offer of healthcare, and that’s critical, actually.
“If I had a pound for every time there is a new building and people start complaining they can’t get an appointment at the doctor, and there’s no infrastructure, [so] this is exactly what we need. […] And as regards to the listed building, the mitigations are there.”
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