Bungling council chiefs have been forced to reopen a consultation into proposals to convert sheltered housing into a homeless hostel after they failed to inform neighbouring residents.

Last week, the town hall waved through the plans for John Barker Court in Brondesbury Park, despite objections from 40 out of the 44 residents who took part in their consultation.

The building has been empty since February.

However the council have now admitted some residents living next door in Alan Preece Court were not told of the plans which would see the building house homeless families for a year.

Rob Churm, from Brondesbury Park Action Group, said: “Residents believe the planning process is a debacle and are calling for the planning application to be completely withdrawn by Brent Council’.

“This planning application could never be considered again by the planning committee with a completely open mind, therefore the democratic process is broken and should be stopped.”

Cllr Carol Shaw, Conservative councillor for Brondesbury Park, added: “I have never experienced such a process in my 26 years as a councillor, where a decision to approve the planning application was made by all the planning committee and now following this planning committee the decision has been rescinded.

“Due to a flawed process and the reaction from the local residents’, it will be heard again at the end of July at a cost to the taxpayer.”

There are plans demolish the building and replace it with sheltered homes for people over 50 next year.

A council spokeswoman told the Times there was a widespread consultation locally on this proposal but admitted some residents in Alan Preece Court had been left out.

She added: “While some residents did write to object, they will all now be formally consulted to ensure that the planning committee can consider all representations before making a decision on this proposal.”