Traders say small businesses may be forced to close if plans for a supermarket beneath a new block of flats go ahead.

An application to build 15 new flats on the site of the former Tyre and Exhaust Centre off Belmont Circle and Kenton Road is currently under consideration by Harrow Borough Council.

However, the site, which sits opposite a Tesco Metro, already has planning permission for eight flats and a commercial space underneath.

The circle houses many other convenience shops and grocers, and many traders say they are worried about the effect a new supermarket could have on their businesses.

Kapil Rabadia, of Belmont Xpress, said: “I think flats would be good but another supermarket? That would certainly be bad for business.

“It’s a quiet area and a supermarket would bring in too much rush that isn’t wanted and would probably take away business.

“We rely on footfall, and these customers will go elsewhere for their pint of milk if another supermarket comes to the circle.”

Another shop owner, Saheb Tuft, added: “More flats would be much better than a supermarket that will take away trade.

“We are already very quiet here, and I think a small supermarket will mean small shops around here will have to close without customers.”

However some shops feel a supermarket could benefit the area, bringing in more customers from further afield.

Kaysir AJ, of hardware shop Pound Saver, said: “This area will be much more busy with a supermarket, and we will get more customers come in if they see us opposite.”

Eric Gadsden, managing director of WE Black Ltd said: “The last thing the area wants is a Sainsbury’s or a Morrison’s to come and take away what I believe to be £80,000 a week in trade for the other shops.

“I don’t think it is morally right to take these other shops out of business. We don’t think this is good for the vibrancy of the shopping circle - it seems wrong to be driving out traders.”

The company has submitted its latest application to the council, outlining plans for a four-storey building featuring two one-bedroom and 13 two-bedroom flats.

Parking will be included at the rear of the property, along with landscaping.

A Harrow Council spokesman said: “This planning application is still under consideration and no decisions have been made.  When an application is submitted planning officer’s carefully consider a wide range of issues, including the views of local residents and businesses.

"Applications also need to respect the character of the immediate area, both in its appearance and its use.  As no decisions have been made we can not comment further on this application.”