Redevelopment plans for a “historic” community space have been referred to Brent Council’s cabinet following public opposition.

The council had hoped to press on with the scheme at the Carlton and Granville Centres in South Kilburn, which would see “improved” facilities alongside 23 new council homes.

But opposition from nearby residents – and five non-cabinet councillors – meant it was put before a council scrutiny committee.

It decided to refer the proposals back to cabinet with four key recommendations, including a guarantee that the 23 homes would be social housing and would favour families.

The committee also called for efforts to reduce noise at the multi-use site, for a minimum amount of space to be ringfenced for community use and for a “democratic process” to be put in place in terms of the site’s management.

Cllr Shama Tatler, responsible for regeneration, highways and planning at Brent Council, answered the issues raised by the community and committee members.

She explained that this was a key opportunity to deliver “much-needed” council housing and defended the development of the community space.

“We have listened, and we have compromised – we’ve listened to the consultations and we need to examine housing on this estate,” she said.

“I’m proud that we are building 23 social housing units on this site. It’s a mixed development, it’s a good development.

“We have to take community use on board, but I don’t think we should be shying away from building more council homes.”

She added that “no community space will be compromised” by this housing and gave her word that the project would involve social, as opposed to private, homes.

South Kilburn residents explained that they are still concerned that the redevelopment plans will “threaten” community use.

Dhelia Snoussi said it would be “the slow end of the site as a community space”, while Leslie Barson said its current use is vital in “addressing some of the problems facing young people” in the area.

While welcoming an increase in social housing, they suggested that it be incorporated into other projects such as the council’s plans at the nearby Peel site.

And they took issue with the role of South Kilburn Trust – the organisation mooted as responsible for the new site’s management.

Peter Firmin, chairman of the South Kilburn Residents’ Association, suggested that it was “not accountable to the people”.

But Cllr Tatler described them as “honest partners open to discussion” who “prioritise residents”.

She added that, in terms of future governance of the site, the council would be open to involving a wider group of stakeholders.