The Masons Arms in Kensal Green has been closed since 2024
Plans to demolish the Masons Arms pub in Kensal Green and redevelop the site have been branded “an absolute disgrace”. While there is some support, the redevelopment – which includes a new pub with 26 flats above – has received more than 80 objections, with residents suggesting it would be “a profound loss” for the area.
London based developer LJ Developments have submitted plans to Brent Council seeking to build a new six-storey building by demolishing the Masons Arms pub on Harrow Road in North London. The developer has said its aim is to “sensitively re-develop” the pub on the ground floor, whilst providing 26 flats spread across five floors above.
The public house, which was built in the mid-1800s, closed permanently in 2024 but LJ Developments claims the project would bring “social and economic benefits” to the area by broadening its appeal to both locals and visitors. However, residents have come out urging the council to refuse the plans.
One resident said: “[It’s] an absolute disgrace that this is even being considered. Is nothing sacred in the plight of profit. This is an historic landmark, with beautiful and rare interior design. Kensal Green doesn’t need a couple of tiny overpriced flats in the place of what it is that makes London great. Let small businesses thrive and let people enjoy this wonderful interior.”
Another added: “The current situation presents residents with a false binary choice between a neglected, boarded-up building and total demolition. The present condition of the property should not be used to justify the destruction of a historic local landmark, particularly when the deterioration appears to have been allowed, and the developers have made no attempt to remove the graffiti despite requests from residents.”
Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) – an independent consumer organisation that promotes the preservation of British pubs – also “strongly objects” to the plan, describing The Masons Arms as “an historic pub” that has served the community “for well over a century”.
The group’s objection adds: “Its long-standing presence, architectural character, and relationship with nearby heritage assets, including the Grade II listed horse trough and the Grade I listed Kensal Green Cemetery wall, give it clear historic and townscape value.
“Although the building itself is not listed, national planning policy recognises that non-designated heritage assets can still hold local historic significance, and their loss must be taken into account in the planning balance.”
The proposal has also received 17 supportive comments, which suggest that the regeneration “is sorely needed” as the current condition of the pub has led to “squatters, fly-tipped rubbish, and fires being lit”.
One resident added: “This is not conducive to Kensal Green being a safe and liveable area. The inside of the building, I have been told, has several severe structural defects which would render the renovation of the existing building unviable.”
The developers claim the plans aim to “preserve the spirit” of the traditional pub but it will be reimagined as a “modern, multipurpose venue”. Documents state that the new pub will “combine traditional character with modern standards of accessibility and sustainability”.
The bar and dining room would offer food and drink throughout the day, whilst there would also be a “second space” that could be used for coffees, dining, remote work, or socialising.
If approved, the building would also include the flats above, comprising nine one-bedroom apartments, nine two-beds, and eight three-beds. All of them would have private balconies facing south towards the nearby Kensal Green Cemetery.
The scheme will be reviewed by Brent Council’s planning committee in due course, which will then determine whether or not it will be given the go ahead.
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