Residents in Kensal Green have won their fight to save a historical building from being turned into flats after council chiefs rejected the plans.

The single-storey building in Harrow Road, which is used as a stonemason’s showroom by EM Lander Memorial, would have been demolished and replaced with a four floor building containing nine flats and a commercial unit.

However Kensington and Chelsea Council refused planning permission for the proposals by ‘Robertson and Lloyd Partnership’ to reduce the building which dates back to 1833 to rubble.

The council noted the development would ‘pose an unacceptable risk to pedestrian safety’, the design was ‘inappropriate and insensitive’ and it would harm the views from Kensal Green Cemetary next door.

The town hall had received 60 objections to the plans including correspondence from Friends of Kensal Green Cemetery, The Kensal Triangle Residents Association (KTRA) and councillors in Brent.

In addition Westminster Council also raised a formal objection to the plans.

Father David Ackerman, the vicar of St John’s Kensal Green in nearby Kilburn Lane, had raised concerns over the safety of pedestrians and the impact on the area’s scenery if the development was given the green light.

He said: “I welcome the council’s decision, and especially the importance planners have placed on the scale of what was proposed. This development would have obscured the view of St John’s church from the cemetery and any new application should respect this now protected view. New low level housing on this site is possible, whilst retaining the Lander’s building”

“I would also add that the junction close to the building remains dangerous and no development should go ahead before Transport for London and the three boroughs make it safer, for pedestrians and motorists.”

Avril Mackintosh from KTRA told the Times they have applied to English Heritage to get the building listed.

She added: “I was amazed how quickly we managed to get the news out and how many people actually notice and love that little Kensal building.

“We are delighted that this planning application had been denied and will be working on ways to making sure the building is going to be safe for ever.

“We will also be meeting with Fr Ackerman, Friends of Kensal Green Cemetery and hopefully The Landers family to put a plan together.”

Related link: Residents in Kensal Green launch fight to save historical building