Plans to bulldoze a “beautiful” Victorian villa in North West London for dozens of new homes could be put on hold over concerns about whether the council has permission to push ahead with the scheme.

Brent Council received approval to redevelop the 19th century building in Harlesden’s Morland Gardens, known as Altamira, in August 2020. 

This was despite fears it would result in the loss of one of the area’s most well-known buildings and could set a precedent for further historic landmarks to be demolished.

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Local historian Philip Grant, who repeatedly campaigned against the planned redevelopment, then noticed part of the scheme would involve rerouting a path connected to Altamira. which he says the council does not have permission to do. 

The council intends to apply for an order which would enable it to issue a £38 million contract to carry on with its plans, but Mr Grant has argued this will not be straightforward and could end up being costly.

The issue is set to be discussed at a Brent Council scrutiny meeting on Thursday after it was called in for further analysis by Liberal Democrat and Conservative councillors.

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Mr Grant said: “The council could have sought a stopping-up order for the highway land in front of 1 Morland Gardens at any time from October 2020 onwards. It only started the process in April 2022, and has now received objections which will probably take until the Spring of 2023 to deal with.

"There is no certainty over the outcome. The council also needs to appropriate the land in question for planning purposes, including the community garden. 

“It can only legally do that if the land is no longer required for its current use. There are strong air quality and environmental reasons why the community garden and its trees are still required.”

The future of Altamira has been a hot topic for the people of Harlesden and those with an interest in Brent’s architectural history. Cllr Ketan Sheth said he often “admired this beautiful building” when he was a child growing up in the neighbourhood and that it would be “sad to lose it”. 

When permission was granted for its redevelopment, Roger Macklen, from the Willesden Local History Society, quoted Brent Council’s own planning guidance, which states heritage assets “are a unique and irreplaceable resource which justifies protection, conservation and enhancement”. He added the council’s historic environment strategy notes such assets “cannot be used for regeneration and place-making purposes”. 

Brent Council said the scheme will provide 65 much-needed council homes, alongside a new adult education centre, affordable workspace and a cafe. Then-lead schools, employment and skills councillor Amer Agha said: “This new mixed-use development will provide a host of benefits to the local community including a top class learning environment for residents, much needed council homes, a new enterprise centre, as well as community spaces. 

“We want the building to be used much more efficiently in a way that will benefit locals and make a positive contribution to their lives. We are looking forward to making this dream a reality.”