A Conservative councillor has hit out at the decision to grant planning permission for a new civic centre, describing its design as “unacceptable”.

Cllr Stephen Greek, who sits on the planning committee at Harrow Council, was consistently vocal in his opposition to the proposed new site in Wealdstone.

The council intends to move from its current building opposite Harrow Mosque in Station Road and has chosen a space in Wealdstone High Street for the new centre.

It undertook a number of consultations from nearby residents and businesses and was pleased with the design that mirrors Harrow as a “green and leafy borough”.

But Mr Greek described the whole process as a “real disappointment”, taking particular issue with the new building’s design.

“This is supposed to be a regeneration exercise, not a degeneration exercise,” he said.

“A green, ceramic arrangement – it sticks out like a sore thumb. How will this inspire civic pride in our centre?

“It’s one of the first things you see as you come into Harrow and it is not up to the standard we expect. It’s not good enough and it’s a real disappointment.

“We are not doing right by our residents, we are not doing right by our staff and we are not doing right by anyone who takes pride in this borough.”

Mr Greek also pointed out that the dramatic changes to the civic centre parking facilities – which will be at around five per cent of the current capacity – are bound to have a negative effect on the region.

“To go from one extreme to the other and not expect it to have a detrimental impact on the area is totally unrealistic in my view,” he added.

But the move was supported by Cllr Christine Robson who described it as a “positive change” from the old building – something she saw as an “odd statement of civic pride”.

She was backed up by Cllr Anne Whitehead who noted that most people who work in offices are used to not having access to parking and it would be eased by the transition period set out by the planning officers.

Sachin Shah, leader of Harrow Council, agreed with his colleagues and said he was delighted with the plans for the new centre.

He said: “We’re proud of our cost-effective and attractive plans for the new home for Harrow Council.

“Wealdstone residents like the design and it has won plaudits from well-known designers across London.

“It’s not a huge or flashy building. What it is, is what local people asked for.

“We’re delighted that this Council can bring jobs and growth to one of the parts of the borough that needs it most.”

Paul Osborn, leader of the Harrow Conservatives, said his party would review the whole project if it takes power in May.

He said the design “looks awful” and while they might not be able to move things in terms of location, they would re-examine the colour, height and issues with parking.

The plans for the new civic centre will now be passed on to the General London Assembly for review.