A Jewish community will move into a new synagogue, despite concerns around parking issues.

Harrow Council’s planning committee approved a land swap between the site used by the Mosaic Reform community in Bessborough Road, Harrow, and one in Stanmore Hill, Stanmore.

There are plans to build a synagogue in Stanmore Hill on the site of a garage, alongside nine new flats on two additional floors.

However, some councillors raised concerns with the application and the impact it would have on the surrounding area.

Conservative representatives noted the already strained parking situation around Stanmore Hill and said this would be a particular issue on larger event days such as celebrations for bar and bat mitzvahs.

There are “informal” plans in place with the Islamic Centre, in Wood Lane, to allow the synagogue to use its car park during high holy day celebrations.

And the synagogue is in conversation with the Abercorn Everest restaurant to provide parking on Saturdays during the main weekly service.

But councillors opposed to the plans said they were unconvinced that this would work, with Stanmore Park ward councillor Philip Benjamin warning these agreements could fall through at any time.

Cllr Stephen Greek, whose motion to refuse the plans was voted down, said the “whole thing needs a major rethink” for it to be viable.

He said: “On a personal level, I would love to support a new synagogue in Harrow – especially in Stanmore – but I can’t support what’s in front of us.

“I think it’s too much and it’s confused. You can have community use or residential use, but the site can’t take both.

“There’s not going to be enough parking for the community use on Saturday mornings or when there are other things going on. I don’t see how this is going to work.”

Those living in and near Stanmore Hill also criticised the development’s design, describing it as “out of character” for the area.

The Mosaic Reform community pointed out that it has been searching for a new suitable space to worship for several years to ensure that it remains in the borough.

Synagogue chairman Lawrence Chadwick said: “[Bessborough Road] is no longer appropriate, but Stanmore Hill is – it’s smaller, more efficient and can still accommodate our community activities.

“For nearly 60 years we have proven ourselves as a calm and considerate community that has always got on with our neighbours and we have finally found a new home.”

The application was supported by the committee’s Labour representatives, who agreed it was favourable to keep the synagogue in Harrow.

Cllr Sachin Shah said: “It’s important to know that when we are building a sense of place in Harrow, we are building communities.

“This includes community facilities, such as places of worship, and they form an important part of the fabric of the borough.”