Opponents to a potential housing development in a Pinner car park have raised their concerns with Harrow Council's chief executive.

Michael Lockwood was quizzed by villagers at a packed open meeting organised by the Pinner Association.

He told residents Pinner had a special character that should be retained, but noted government policy did not always allow the council to facilitate this.

Valerie Landon, from the association, said: "Topics raised from the floor included opposition to possible housing development in the Waxwell Lane car park, especially taking into account the parking problems that already exist in Pinner and that will only increase when all the other proposed new flats are being lived in.

"In response Mr Lockwood promised further stakeholder consultation. He also spoke of the need to find a balance between providing adequate housing and retaining green open spaces.

"Other topics mentioned included the difficulties in contacting the responsible person at Harrow Council when problems arose.

"Reporting online to a My Harrow account was suggested as a solution, and staff are to receive training in how to respond correctly and adequately to the public.

"The problems of litter and poor street cleaning in Pinner were raised, and measures are being implemented to improve this.The vexed question of the lack of public toilets was also brought up.

"However, it is clear that strong public opposition to certain measures produces results as can be seen with regard to the events policy where with 90 per cent of responses to the consultation being received from Pinner, it was subject to major amendments.

"Similarly, Pinner Library is to be retained and refurbished."

Mr Lockwood had been invited to give a talk on the future of Pinner at the association's annual general meeting on April 20.

After summarising the current aims and projects of the council regarding quality of life, housing requirements for a growing population and employment opportunities, and in particular for the less advantaged areas, such as Wealdstone, where the Civic Centre is to be relocated.

He then mentioned the need for regeneration in Harrow town centre itself.

Ms Landon said: "Turning to Pinner, he recognized that this 'village' has a special character that has to be retained.

"This is not facilitated by current government policies allowing offices and other commercial premises to be converted to flats under 'permitted development', and which the council is therefore unable to prevent, although it continues to lobby the government to exempt Harrow borough.

"Unfortunately, the result of this policy is often poorly designed flats, loss of jobs, and of trade for local businesses."

At the meeting Warwick Hillman, a former chairman, was elected to fill that position for one year.

An appeal was also made for younger people to come forward to help revitalise the committee, some of whose current members have served for many years.

Ms Landon said: "It would be a great pity if the Pinner Association ceased to be the vibrant and successful residents’ society it has traditionally been, for the lack of new blood to carry it forward into the 21st century."