Key Points
- Plans submitted to Harrow Council by Freshbay Ltd to increase the height of the building at 319 Station Road, Harrow, to five storeys, adding six new flats.
- The property will remain mixed-use, with ground floor continuing as retail unit and restaurant.
- Restaurant, currently Aumkar, will stay at basement and ground floor levels; residential spaces planned for first, second, and third floors.
- All proposed flats will be offered as market rent.
- Development results in loss of 356 sqm of existing gross internal floor space but gains 922 sqm total.
- Renovation includes changes for residential, retail, and restaurant areas on ground floor.
- Aumkar specialises in Indian fast food, vegetarian-friendly with vegan options, located at 319 Station Road, Harrow HA1 2AA.
- Historical planning context: Earlier 2019 proposal for 317-319 Station Road redevelopment to part four/part five storey with five flats, retail (A1), restaurant (A3).
- Freshbay Ltd has prior involvement in Harrow planning matters, including appeals against enforcement notices issued by Harrow Council on 6 January 2023.
Harrow (Harrow), January 20, 2026 – Plans have been submitted to Harrow Council to transform a restaurant and retail unit at 319 Station Road into a five-storey mixed-use building featuring six new residential flats. Freshbay Ltd, the applicant, proposes retaining commercial operations on the ground floor while adding housing above. The scheme aims to boost housing provision amid ongoing urban regeneration in the area.
What is the proposed development at 319 Station Road?
The application seeks to elevate the existing structure from its current height to five storeys, accommodating six new flats on the upper levels. According to details on the planning portal, the ground floor will persist as a retail unit and restaurant, with the latter—currently operating as Aumkar—confined to basement and ground floor spaces. Residential units are earmarked for the first, second, and third floors, all designated for market rent tenancy.
As reported in Yahoo UK News, the redevelopment will yield a net gain of 922 sqm in gross internal floor space, despite a loss of 356 sqm from existing layouts due to necessary renovations. This expansion not only targets residential growth but also enhances retail and restaurant facilities on the lower levels. The mixed-use approach aligns with Harrow Council’s policies for sustainable town centre development.harrow.
Who is behind the planning application?
Freshbay Ltd spearheads the proposal, submitting plans to Harrow Council for approval. The company has previous engagement with local planning processes, including an appeal under section 174 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 against an enforcement notice issued by Harrow Council on 6 January 2023, as documented by the Planning Inspectorate. Earlier records from 2020 link Freshbay Limited to applications handled by agent Buckmaster Batcup Architects Ltd under Harrow’s Development Management Policies.harrow.
No specific journalist byline appears in the primary Yahoo UK coverage, but the story draws from official planning portal submissions. Public notice portals confirm the location as 319 Station Road, Harrow HA1 2AA, with proposals for redevelopment including basement-level restaurant facilities.
What is the current use of the building?
The ground floor hosts a retail unit alongside Aumkar restaurant, which occupies basement and ground levels. Aumkar specialises in Indian fast food, offering cuisines suited for lunch and brunch, with vegetarian-friendly and vegan options available. Features include seating and takeaway services, operating daily from 10:00 or 11:00 until 20:00, except Sundays until 19:00.
Tripadvisor reviews describe Aumkar as a bustling spot for Indian street food like thalis (£3.50), samosas, Bombay-style sandwiches, chaats, curries, and parathas. Patrons note its affordability and appeal to diverse nationalities, though some highlight service inconsistencies, long queues, and hygiene concerns such as hair in pastries or unfresh items. One reviewer, DotComJobMan from Greater London, stated in October 2018: “Being a Carnivore, price and taste are hard to beat… Thali’s (£3.50 for a variety of things) are great.” Conversely, S K in November 2023 called it “pathetic staff behavior, ill mannered.”
What changes will the redevelopment bring to floor space?
The project entails a reconfiguration resulting in a 356 sqm reduction in existing gross internal floor space, offset by a total gain of 922 sqm upon completion. This net increase supports expanded residential accommodation across the new upper storeys while modernising commercial areas below. Renovations encompass alterations for residential purposes alongside upgrades to retail and restaurant zones on the ground floor.
Such transformations are common in Harrow’s town centre, where policy DM22 from the Harrow Development Management Policies Local Plan guides growth management to 2026. The five-storey endpoint will provide more housing stock in a densely populated area.harrow.
What is Aumkar restaurant known for?
Aumkar draws crowds for its vegetarian savoury and sweet treats reminiscent of Indian street food, including ragda pattice, idli sambar, kachoris, pooran poli, and murku. Positive feedback praises value, with cookieshah from Harrow noting in August 2018: “If miss street food of India this is the place… Food is delicious.” Pooja M from Watford described it in July 2016 as a “mouth watering chaat corner” with huge variety.
Criticisms persist on service and quality; kevar2017 in July 2017 alleged inconsistent portions and queue-jumping, stating:
“Often noticed white customers being served more generous portions and discounts that Asians don’t get.”
Recent reviews like A Vasa’s in February 2025 highlight “terrible customer service,” with staff disputes over orders. Dhanbai P in January 2024 called staff “rude,” and S K reported: “they told us they dont need people as many are coming.” Hygiene issues feature prominently, with one December 2024 reviewer finding “HAIR EMBEDDED IN THE PASTRY.”
Despite mixed 39 reviews ranking it #206 of 338 Harrow restaurants, its convenience near the train station sustains repeat visits.
How does this fit into Harrow’s planning history?
Harrow Council’s Core Strategy outlines growth management to 2026, emphasising town centre vitality. A 2019 decision list references 317-319 Station Road for redevelopment to a part four/part five storey building with five flats (1×5-bed, 4×1-bed), retail (Use Class A1), and restaurant (Use Class A3) on ground floor. This echoes the current proposal, suggesting iterative development.
Freshbay’s track record includes the 2023 enforcement appeal dismissal context. Nearby, a November 2025 application for 382-384 Station Road proposes a seven-storey block with 12 flats opposite Trinity Bar, by Quintas Homes Limited, indicating a trend of vertical expansion along Station Road. Another appeal at a adjacent site addressed character, appearance, and living conditions for numbers 314 and 318.acp.
What happens next in the approval process?
The application awaits Harrow Council’s review, with no decision date specified. Public consultation typically follows validation, allowing resident input on impacts like height, parking, and amenity. If approved, construction could proceed, balancing housing needs against local character preservation.
As reported across sources, such schemes contribute to Harrow’s housing targets without specified council statements yet. Monitoring via the planning portal remains essential for updates.
