9:20am Sunday 2nd November 2008
By Jack Royston
A CHURCH could go ahead with a controversial project to build on a playing field according its agent.
Simon Chalwin has said he would advise St George's Church, in Pinner View, to push ahead with plans to build 12 houses and 15 flats on part of its playing field, in Headstone, if he was asked.
A planning application for the scheme was originally rejected by Harrow Council and an appeal launched by St George's Parochial Church Council, which runs the church, was dismissed this week.
But Mr Chalwin said changing the proposals could settle the concerns raised by the planning inspector.
He said: “The only reason why the appeal didn't succeed is that the Parochial Church Council is not sufficiently clear about what it would be doing with the remaining open space.”
The church is due to hold a meeting next week to discuss its next step and has sought written advise from Mr Chalwin.
Residents have opposed the project since it first arose, saying the building work would rob the community of space to play sports.
A new application would be a blow for many in the community who hoped their long running battle against the scheme had come to an end.
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