Householders in some conservation areas could lose their rights to some home improvements that do not normally need planning permission – but they will have a chance to have their say on the proposals.

Harrow Council’s planning committee approved plans to potentially introduce Article 4 Directions in five conservation areas in Stanmore and Edgware.

This could mean homes within these areas – Kerry Avenue, Stanmore Hill, Old Church Lane, Canons Park and Little Common – will no longer be able to carry out work that previously would not have required planning permission.

The council will now consult on the proposals, which are usually implemented to “protect the special architectural or historic interest and character” of conservation areas in the borough.

If approved, affected homes will have a year before the measures come into effect, meaning they could still carry out work under permitted development rules during this time.

Cllr Marilyn Ashton, who represents Stanmore Park ward, said she was generally in favour of Article 4 Directions but felt they were unwarranted in these areas.

She based this on the fact that the prospect of introducing these measures was first raised in 2013 and things have “changed” since then.

“We’re doing too much and we’re doing it too late,” she said. “It feels a little heavy-handed and disproportionate given the years that have gone by.

“I understand people who say, ‘it’s better to do it now than not at all’, but it would be a pity to impose this on conservation areas that haven’t had it for so long.

“It could cause a lot of unhappiness as I’m not sure people understand how restrictive this can be.”

She compared the situation to Article 4 Directions implemented in Pinner Wood Park conservation area but pointed out that they have “always had them” and, in this case, it clearly protects “quite a lot of character”.