A much-loved corner shop in Kensal Rise has been saved from extinction after residents fought for its survival.

This week Brent Council rejected a planning application to convert C&D Food & Wine in College Road, into a one-bedroom-flat following an outcry by locals.

Jaymini Patel, who has run the shop for 15 years with her husband Pritish said it was a “win for the community” adding: “It’s made my Christmas, it’s definitely a good Christmas this year. A huge, huge thankyou to the community because we wouldn’t have done it without them. It’s such a relief.”

The couple were served a notice in September to vacate the premises by February so the landlord, who owns the flat upstairs, could convert the shop.

When the Times reported the story in October, 60 residents from streets served by the grocery store had taken to the council’s website to raise objections in passionate defence of their “well-used and much-loved shop”.

More than 360 objections had been raised by December 10 when the council made its decision.

Mrs Patel, who has two children, said she was very fearful of having to move and the changes her family would have to endure. “If we’d had to move everything would have changed our life. We don’t know where we’d end up so it’s great news.

“It’s a win for the community, without them we wouldn’t have done it. It shows just how important the community is.”

Proposals are currently being negociated with the landlord to extend the lease on the property.

“We want to stay here for at least 10 more years.”

Cllr Matt Kelcher from Kensal Green, who spoke against the proposals said it was “great to see a local shop saved.

He said: “I’m delighted that the Planning Committee have listened to the voice of the local community and thrown out these proposals.

“The fact that 300 local people made objections to the plans to close the shop demonstrates how well used it is and how popular the Patel family are in the area.

“In the week we all supported Small Business Saturday, its great to see a local shop saved from developers.”

Related link: Residents fight to save Kensal Rise corner shop from closure