Councillors were so confused by proposed changes to access at a new town centre car park they asked to go there to see what was happening.

Harrow Council’s planning committee voted to hold a site visit to Anmer Lodge, Stanmore, after officers proposed a new exit at the agreed temporary car park.

A new supermarket and café, as well as various housing blocks and a multi-storey car park are set to be built at the site.

As part of the development, a temporary car park with a minimum of 151 spaces would be put in place to help phase in the building process.

But, according to planning officers, a “misunderstanding” between the planning committee and the applicant meant there was confusion over access routes.

The committee believed cars would enter and exit via Dennis Lane, but a new proposal moves the exit route to Coverdale Close, leading into Stanmore Hill.

Cllr Marilyn Ashton, representing Stanmore Park ward, was fiercely opposed to the changes and said it would have a detrimental effect on those living nearby.

She said: “These are tiny little roads and it’s frankly outrageous to suggest putting more cars down there, even if it’s just temporary.

“To make people suffer in this way is disgraceful. There’s no reason why it can’t be accessed through Dennis Lane – this whole thing is completely avoidable.

“Let’s listen to the residents of Stanmore and listen to a ward councillor who knows the area like the back of her hand.”

Planning officers explained that heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) already have access to Stanmore Hill and suggested that the access from Dennis Lane is inappropriate due to the entrance width.

They could not specify how long the temporary car park would be in use, which led Cllr Anjana Patel to suggest that residents could face an “horrific experience” for years.

And Cllr Stephen Greek said he could not understand why the Dennis Lane entrance could be deemed inappropriate since he believes HGVs can easily fit through.

“The whole way the scheme was designed was to avoid a rat-run, and this creates one,” he said.

He proposed a site visit to “clarify” the issue and was supported by all colleagues on the committee.