A charity's plans to convert a historic magistrate’s court into a community centre were turned down by councillors.

The proposals for Harrow Magistrates Court, in Rosslyn Crescent, were refused consent by Harrow Borough Council’s planning committee last night.

The Jasper Foundation had applied to make changes to the historic Grade II listed building to create a hub for activities for the Asian community.

The foundation, based in Stanmore, applied for retrospective planning permission for similar proposals last year, but the plabs were thrown out due to unauthorised alterations to the inside of the building, which dates back to the mid-1930s.

The building had been used as the magistrates court from the mid-1930s until its closure in 2011.

The court was closed by the Government in that year as part of cost-cutting measures across the justice sector, which led to outrage in the community.