Queen’s Park residents have slammed the loss of vital community space after plans to redevelop a popular pub were given the green light.

Brent & Kilburn Times: Residents successfully applied for ACV status to protect The Corrib Rest pub in Queens Park Pic credit: Adam ThomasResidents successfully applied for ACV status to protect The Corrib Rest pub in Queens Park Pic credit: Adam Thomas (Image: Archant)

Brent planners voted overwhelmingly in favour of redeveloping the Corrib Rest, in Salusbury Road, on June 28 despite huge opposition.

Developers Ashcross LTD can now convert the building into nine flats with a small pub and limited community space on the same floor.

Ashcross bought the pub in 2015, which had two large function rooms on the first floor, and promptly closed it.

It was listed as an asset of community value the same year following a community campaign.

Developers can now convert the first and second floor, and build a third floor extension.

Community access has been reduced to 40 hours between Monday and Thursday with a new pub operator able to choose what to use - and charge for the space the rest of the week.

The planning meeting heard from a Hopefield Avenue resident who supported the plans citing anti-social behaviour at the venue in the past.

But Kevin Barrett, representing pensioners and more than 2,000 people who signed a petition said the council should keep the Corrib as a community facility rather than use the money generated to fund other community facilities elsewhere in the borough. He said: “It’s a terrible loss for the community.”

Dan Judelson added: “Far from gaining something, we are looking at a loss. We are gaining on what we’ve had for two years – nothing, but losing on what we had before.”

Virginia Brand, chairwoman of QPARA, said: “QPARA is pleased that a decision has been taken. The pub has been closed for far too long. The result is not perfect but there was never going to be an ideal solution. Everyone should now work together to ensure that the community obtains maximum value from the refurbished building.”

Cllr Neil Nerva, who represents Queen’s Park ward, said: “Clearly there are unresolved issues relating to the hours, pricing and availability of the community room and what it costs a pub operator to run. We will be talking to the developer to ensure financial viability.”

Keiran Hodgson, on behalf of Ashcross said: “We feel we are providing more and better space.”