Banqueting hall at Stanmore and Edgware golf centre refused

Developer Sairam hoped to demolish the existing clubhouse at Stanmore and Edgware Golf Centre after its closure in October 2019.

Later in June 2020 the clubhouse and part of a driving range, situated between Stanmore and Elstree, were damaged in a large fire.

Stanmore and Edgware Golf Centre was on fire (Image: Twitter)

Campaigners at the Save our Brockley Hill Neighbourhood Group have had their eyes on the golf course’s future ever since plans were submitted for a two-storey banqueting facility.

The development proposed to also widen the existing vehicular access from Brockley Hill, introduce car and cycle parking, waste or recycling storage and landscape enhancement.

Harrow Council refused the plan in November 2021, with the issue then taken to the planning inspectorate this year.

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A document published on December 5 shows that an appeal has been refused.

The site was damaged in a fire (Image: Harrow Council)

The inspector wrote that the development would cause “significant harm” to the green belt, adding that the “harms caused by the proposed wedding venue would outweigh its benefits”.

However, the inspector did note that the proposal to serve 500 guests would generate jobs in both its construction and operation, adding a “number of ethnic businesses” would benefit from the development.

Cllr Marilyn Ashton, deputy leader and cabinet member for planning and regeneration, said: “I am delighted with the outcome of the appeal that the council’s grounds for refusal were upheld by the inspector.

“Many thanks to the local residents for their efforts and to our excellent counsel and council officers for successfully making the case that there are no very special circumstances on this site such that it would overcome the fact that this is wholly inappropriate development in the green belt.”

The red dot marks where the former golf centre was located (Image: Google Maps)

Two men, aged 32 and 57, were arrested on March 17 last year on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson and fraud related to the fire at the golf centre.

They were later released with no further action. The Metropolitan Police says that the investigation has since been closed.