Angry residents against the proposal for a new block of flats say the site would be better as a community centre for Greenford .

An application to demolish and redevelop a former cinema site, Sudbury House, in Sudbury Heights Avenue, to provide a part three, part four-storey building with 39 flats will be heard by Ealing Council ’s planning committee on Wednesday (September 3).

The proposal, by Jones Lang LaSalle, also includes 14 off-street car parking spaces, 73 secure cycle parking spaces, a ground-floor family play area and a communal roof terrace.

The privately-owned building was Sudbury Town Odeon from 1935 to 1956, then became the Starlite Ballroom in 1964 where bands such as The Who and Pink Floyd played. It has also been used as a bingo and snooker hall and a nursery, although it has been empty for the past two years.

Albertina McNeill, of Bennetts Avenue, in Greenford , organiser of the Save The Starlite campaign, said: “People I have spoken to around the area are really angry they have not been told about this.

“Thirty-nine flats are being proposed in an area where there is already a controlled parking zone.

“People want it as a community centre for arts, music and a playgroup.”

Ms McNeill said she has had a petition against the application going for a couple of weeks which now has 109 signatures.

Campaigners have set up a photo shoot for members of the public tomorrow (August 30) in Allendale Road at 1pm.

They want people to be snapped holding signs saying ‘Save the Starlite,’ ‘Community Counts,’ ‘More Flats Mean More Cars’ and ‘Protect Our Heritage’.

Ealing Council have recommended the application is granted, subject to conditions.

Its report says: “The residential development would be a compatible proposal within this suburban residential location.

“It would provide high quality residential units and enhance the visual appearance and character of this area.

“The residential development would increase housing supply on an accessible and sustainable location.

“The level of on-site car parking provision and planning obligations agreed would contribute towards the use of more sustainable modes of transport by prospective occupiers of the development.”

To sign the petition, go to www.change.org and search starlite.