RESIDENTS have expressed their fury after plans to build flats on the former Reindeer pub in Northwood have once again 'reared their ugly head'.

After the pub, in Maxwell Road, was demolished to 2008, developer Excelsior Homes applied to build a five-storey block of 14 flats on the site – a scheme described as 'a monstrosity' by those opposed to it.

These plans and a later scaled-down version for 12 flats were both rejected by Hillingdon Council.

The developer lodged an appeal against the decision, which was subsequently refused, but in the meantime negotiated with residents to produce a new design for 11 flats on the site, part of the Green Lane Conservation Area.

Although the revised plans were approved by Hillingdon Council in February this year, as reported in the Gazette, Excelsior has now applied again to build 12 flats on the site.

The latest plans are set to be approved by Hillingdon Council's north planning committee tomorrow (23), subject to a number of conditions including an agreement that off site road works will be completed.

Four letters of objection and a petition with 20 signatures have been submitted by disgusted residents, who have vowed to continue fighting against the development.

They are particularly opposed to a 'dominant turret' which would affect the character and appearance of the area.

They also raised concerns about inadequate amenity space and parking, as well as traffic congestion.

Chairman of the Northwood Residents' Association (NRA), Tony Ellis, said: "This is a smack in the face for Northwood residents.

"I'm not surprised the plans are back again as most developers seem to think local opinion doesn't matter, but I am surprised that the council is recommending approval, as they previously fought the plans.

"However, we still have some ammunition and we will keep fighting."

Northwood ward councillor, Scott Seaman-Digby, said: "I too am disappointed that after careful deliberation by the planning committee and a unanimous rejection of the plans, based, I believe, on over development, lack of amenity space, the conflict with the conservation area and the ridiculous turret, officers have decided to approve the plans.

"Having fought the original plans I am heartened that residents are willing to continue fighting and will offer them all of my assistance.

"It is high time, and in line with the thinking of the government, that local people have greater power not to block development per se, but to insist the area they call home is not despoiled in the pursuit of profits.

"I hope the committee will see that the approval should be once again overturned and Northwood not be blighted by a development that is out of keeping and unnecessarily large."

A spokesperson for Dalton Warner Davis (DWD), the agent representing Excelsior Homes, was unavailable for comment when the Gazette went to press.

Visit www.uxbridgegazette.co.uk from Friday (24) to find out the committee's decision.

What do you think? Email Gazette reporter Siba Matti at sibamatti@trinitysouth.co.uk or post a comment at http://northwood.uxbridgegazette.co.uk