THE group behind plans for a community centre in North Harrow says it wants to embrace residents who opposed the scheme.

Proposals for a 250 capacity building, with sports halls, male and female gyms, a prayer hall, a library and a café, pursued by the Battle of Wells Foundation were approved by Harrow Council last night.

Residents fought a two year battle against the project, claiming it was out of keeping with the area, would cause parking mayhem and threatened to “crush the life and quality of life out of the community”.

But Dr Nizar Merali, of the foundation, told councillors the centre will be a place where the organisation and objectors can come together and put their differences behind them.

He told the Harrow Times: “I'm delighted with the outcome. I think the councillors have made the right decision.

“My first and foremost task will be to communicate with the residents as best I can to try and bridge this unfortunate division that this has created.

“From then onwards we get on with the big task of raising the funds and developing it.”

Mike Moth, vice-chairman of Headstone Residents Association, labelled the development “unwanted and unnecessary” and said residents' views should take precedent over what he called “part-time outsiders”.

After the plans were approved he said: “We're disappointed, absolutely disappointed. I really had hoped that the weight of opinion of the local residents would have swayed the council into a more considered view of their options.

“I think it will be pretty devastating.”

Residents say the building's modern design and size will clash with surrounding residential streets.

The council can only reject planning applications on planning grounds and the committee unanimously approved the scheme, after reducing the capacity on event days to 500.

Dr Merali disputed suggestions his organisation was made up of “outsiders”, saying 95 per cent of 1,000 people who signed a petition in favour of the development were from the borough.