A church must agree to limit access for visiting drivers as part of planning application for a side extension.

The Restoration Revival Fellowship, in Cambridge Road, North Harrow, wants to grow its site to accommodate a kitchen, bathroom facilities and training rooms. It also hopes to introduce a ramp for wheelchair users.

These changes were not queried by Harrow Council’s planning committee but, following a plea from neighbouring properties, a condition is in place meaning the church should only be accessed from Cambridge Road car park at the rear.

If the applicant, Pastor Humphrey Epie, agrees to this, the front access will be gated and will only be able to be used in an emergency.

Mr Murtaza Ali, who lives next to this driveway, said: “I have young children, as do several other people on the road and there are a lot of cars coming and going.

“It can be very scary – they should be using the car park like every other hall [at the site].

“That is why I am campaigning on behalf of everyone on this street to have this access removed. I’m not saying don’t do it, just come in from the car park.”

Pastor Humphrey said the church currently advises members to use the car park access and that it “is mindful of its neighbours and doesn’t want to be a nuisance”.

He added that it wants to extend the site “for the good of the community” – to provide extra activities and classes, particularly for young people.

Cllr Stephen Greek said the decision to introduce the condition would be “good enough” since it would satisfy those living in Cambridge Road.

It was unanimously backed by the planning committee and, if the church agrees, permission for the extension will be granted.