Residents “cautiously welcome” news that Queensbury’s fate will be delayed

A controversial planning application to demolish a popular pub in Willesden Green and replace it with a housing block has been withdrawn.

The plans, which would have seen The Queensbury pub in Walm Lane, knocked down and replaced with a 10-storey tower block attracted widespread criticism from residents and campaign groups.

It is not yet known if Fairview Homes, the developers for the scheme, will include the pub any future designs but Ian Elliot, a member of the Save the Queensbury campaign group said they “cautiously welcomed” the news.

He told the Times: “We cautiously welcome the withdrawal of the planning application as a small victory in our long campaign to protect the building, protect the pub and keep its valued role in our community.

“This is down to the community coming together and sending a message that their plans are unacceptable.”

Since the plans were announced last year a host of names have come forward in support of the pub, which also hosts well attended mother and baby social groups.

Former Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone and boy band The Wanted are among the names to come forward in support of the building.

Fairview Homes have been contacted for comment.

More to follow.