Homes in several conservation areas could lose their rights to permitted development to “protect the character” of the regions.

Harrow Council’s planning committee will assess proposals to introduce measures – known as Article 4 Directions – in five conservation areas in Stanmore and Edgware.

If passed, it means homes within these areas – Kerry Avenue, Stanmore Hill, Old Church Lane, Canons Park and Little Common – will no longer be able to carry out works that previously would not have required planning permission.

According to the council, this is to “protect the special architectural or historic interest and character” of conservation areas in the borough.

Council officers, who recommended the planning committee approve the suggestion, said recent surveys covering the sites “re-enforced the desirability” of implementing Article 4 Directions to preserve and enhance the conservation areas’ features.

If approved, the rules would come into effect in a year’s time.

Cllr Marilyn Ashton, who represents Stanmore Park ward, said the decision would not be universally well received by those it affects.

She noted that the prospect of introducing these measures was first raised in 2013 but that “things change in seven years”.

“Perhaps the horse has bolted on this one. To pick out a few houses that haven’t had work done and make it impossible to do so won’t help anything,” she said.

“Maybe we should go back and have another look at the aspirations that were laid out in 2013.”

She added giving residents a “stay of execution” of a year will simply force them into rushing through any building work.

Cllr Keith Ferry, responsible for planning, regeneration and employment at Harrow Council, explained that Article 4 Directions are part of the borough’s constitution and therefore should be assessed by the planning committee.