A long-standing pub in Kentish Town will be turned into flats and offices despite opposition from community groups concerned that the development will be too tall.

Planning permission to convert the mock-Tudor pub, The Gloucester Arms in Leighton Road, was unanimously granted at a committee meeting on Thursday (June 13).

The Kentish Town Neighbourhood Forum (KTNF) and the Leighton Road Neighbourhood Association were among the protestors against the plans to build a four-storey block with mixed office and residential space as part of proposals for two multi-storey developments.

KTNF member Derek Jarman said at the meeting that the proposed four-storey block threatened the privacy of nearby Keniston House in Leighton Road.

He also argued that the high-rise nature of the building would block natural light from its neighbour.

Despite opposition to the application, the community groups present were not against the demolition of The Gloucester Arms, with Mr Jarman saying that the pub was “past its sell-by date”.

Planning permission was granted for the site without any conditions.