Controversial plans for Cricklewood Library were withdrawn yesterday, Wednesday, just hours before Brent Council were due to make a decision on its future.

Property developer Andrew Gillick, who planned to demolish the building and replace it with 10 flats and a multi-functional 2,000 square feet community hub, told the Times why he made the 11th hour decision.

He said: “I’m coming up with an alternative scheme.

“The plans are not drawn yet.”

Mr Gillick, of Chelsea-based Platinum Revolver Ltd, said he will hold a public consultation on his revised plans for the former library in Olive Road but would not reveal the changes he intends to make.

The Friends of Cricklewood Library had criticised Mr Gillick’s plans, claiming the hub would be too small to meet the needs of Cricklewood’s growing population.

It is also looking at using the Localism Act to get the building listed as an “asset of community value.”

A spokesperson for FCL was unavailable for comment.