Plans to demolish a ‘historic’ restaurant building and replace it with a ‘hideous’ new block of flats have angered hundreds of people.

Property developer Fruition Properties wants to build 42 new homes at the site of Mumbai Junction, in Watford Road, Brent, but has been met with fierce opposition from residents, councillors and MPs.

If the plan goes ahead, the two-storey Indian restaurant will be bulldozed to make way for the three to five-storey building. Brent Council’s planning officers have recommended it goes ahead, despite 459 people registering their objection.

One said: “A lovely restaurant that has been serving the area for many years will be lost forever, this place has been a meeting place for the locals and for the wider community. Another called the new buildings design "hideous" and too high.

Those opposing the plans include Brent North MP Barry Gardiner, as well as Brent councillors Narinder Bajwa and Diana Collymore. Sudbury Court Residents’ Association said it was important to defend the history of the site, which initially housed the John Lyon pub before it was converted into a restaurant.

Opposing the plans, the group said: “The John Lyon name has historic value, John Lyon founded Harrow School 500 years ago, and his legacy still funds local charitable works such as Sudbury Neighbourhood Centre.”

A similar scheme was thrown out by the council last year amid concerns that it was out of character for the area and did not provide enough affordable homes. However, council officers have recommended the latest plan be approved by the committee.

Brent & Kilburn Times: The building was originally the John Lyon pub. Image: GoogleThe building was originally the John Lyon pub. Image: Google

A report claims the loss of the restaurant would be "considered acceptable" as it is not protected under planning policy. They also state that the development ‘cannot reasonably deliver any affordable housing’ as costs would make it unviable. Instead, they recommend a legal agreement that ensures the site contributions towards affordable housing in the event that viability improves.

Plans show the 42 homes would comprise a mix of 15 one-bedroom, 16 two-bedroom, and 11 three-bedroom flats. There would also be 24 car parking spaces and a communal roof terrace at the fourth floor level.

Documents submitted on behalf of the developer state that the proposals "have been revised to address the previous reasons for refusal" and believe the plan should be approved. They say the scheme will deliver "a wide choice of high-quality homes" as well as "achieving sustainable development".

Brent Council’s planning committee will review the proposal at its next meeting on Wednesday, July 12 before making a final decision on whether it can go ahead.