Neighbours fear proposals for new homes and a country park at a farm will not benefit the community and could become a ‘white elephant’.

Harrow Borough Council has announced the plans for Pinner Park Farm, just of George V Avenue, which has fallen into disrepair.

The council, which owns the 230-acre site, says it would like to make better use of the green space and open it up to the public.

The authority would look to convert some of the farm buildings on the site into homes and create a country park on the rest of the land.

Ruth Boff, secretary of the Pinner Association, said: “We were told of these proposals in April and we feel there are a few problems.

“The farm is already open to the public via a number of footpaths and there would be a cost to the council to buy out of the agricultural lease currently on the site.

“We agree something has to be done to save and look after the agricultural buildings on the site, but these plans are not the best way to do it.

“If the country park is created it will need money to be maintained. We are worried it would just be forgotten about and become a white elephant in the borough.”

Independent councillor Georgia Weston said: “I really don’t see how the community will benefit long term with these plans.

“If these proposals do go ahead the people of Harrow will be left with a huge bill for the maintenance for a 230-acre country park.”

Caroline Bruce, director for environment and enterprise at the council, said: “It is important to stress that no plans have been set in stone – we simply want to hear from you about what you think would be a good idea.

“The council has a duty to invest in this well known site, and make sure everyone in the community is getting the best out of it.”

The council has also announced a series of exhibitions to showcase the proposals and offer people the chance to have their say about the site.

The three consultation events will take place at Harrow Arts Centre, Uxbridge Road on June 25, from 1pm to 5.30pm, June 26, from 1pm to 9pm and June 27, from 1pm to 8pm.