Neighbours claim they already feel like ‘sardines in a tin’

Concerned residents in Stonebridge have condemned a major housing development of more than 100 homes in blocks rising up to nine-storeys – claiming they already feel like “sardines”.

An application by the Hyde Housing Group – which manages properties on the estate for a major development of new homes on disused land – has been met with anger from tenants who claim the space should be transformed into public land for community activities.

The application was given the green light by Brent Council’s most recent planning committee meeting, despite more than 200 residents signing a petition against the plans.

Around 117 new private homes will now be built on the land next to the Stonebridge Park Hotel in Hillside.

Clement Bedeau, secretary of Stonebridge Residents Scrutiny Panel, said: “The land is not being used for the benefit of the community. We are already crammed in like sardines and another housing development is not what we need.

“We want to see a community centre built or a public space for people to go.”

The petition, signed by 205 residents, expressed concerns over lack of public access and says the plan could result in segregation within the community, while also raising fears over an increase in traffic.

Resident Bridgette Bainbridge, who has lived on the estate for 20 years, told the Times: “I would prefer to see a community centre with a community garden run by residents for residents.

“It’s so important to have a community feel, instead of more housing the public can’t access.

“A nine-storey building will stand out like a sore thumb – I thought the days of high rise flats here was over.”

However, a spokesman for Hyde Housing said residents’ concerns were addressed during an extensive local public consultation carried out both by the Brent Planning Department and by The Hyde Group.

He added: “All points made in the objectors’ petition were addressed by the planning committee before deciding in favour of the application.

“The committee was satisfied that Hyde has already provided community facilities and open space as part of the Stonebridge Regeneration Masterplan consent.

“Even though planning consent is for private sale residential units, Hyde has taken the decision to make more than half of the homes social housing, providing further opportunities for local people to rent an affordable home in the area.”