A NORTH Harrow church that had its bid to develop a playing field blocked will “take advice” amid speculation about an appeal.

St George's Church, in Pinner View, wants to build 15 flats and 12 houses on a third of its green but has faced a fierce battle with residents who say the land should be used for sport.

The remaining two thirds of the land would have been handed to Harrow Council for community use but the planning committee refused permission on Wednesday.

The church had a previous application rejected and appealed that decision, with the result going against it in October 2008.

Reverend Stephen Keeble, the church's vicar, told the Harrow Times the plans had changed to meet the requirements of the planning inspector.

He said: “In the new application, the church offered to improve, help maintain and give to the council the retained two acres, or 0.8 hectares, of open space which makes up over half the site.

“It would then be public rather than private land as it is at present. The council's planning department recommended that the planning committee accept the amended application.

“St George's Parochial Church Council will now take advice on its response.”