Brent Council said it would continue to work with the community over a proposed development near a hospice – but a scheme at the site could still go ahead.

St Luke’s Hospice, in Kenton Road, Harrow, urged the council to halt plans for nearby the ‘Clock House’ project, which would house “vulnerable” residents.

It argues that the proposed two-storey development would be built just five metres from the hospice’s boundary and its residents would be able to see into some patients’ gardens.

Cllr Eleanor Southwood, responsible for housing and welfare reform at Brent Council, said she understands the hospice’s position but stressed the borough is faced with demanding housing targets.

She said: “St Luke’s is a much-valued local organisation, and we’ll continue to work with them as plans are developed.

“We’re committed to doing our bit to tackling the chronic shortage of housing in Brent and do understand that any development impacts on the local community. We look forward to working with St Luke’s to address their concerns.”

She added that the plans for Clock House are “at an early design stage” and are yet to go through the planning process.

Alpana Malde, St Luke’s chief executive, urged the council’s planning team to turn down any application made to protect those at the hospice.

She said: “We support people in the last few weeks or days of their lives – an extremely emotional and vulnerable time for them and their loved ones.

“Ensuring the privacy and dignity of patients and families is of the highest importance.

“We strongly oppose any proposal which encroaches on our patient’s privacy and wellbeing.”

The hospice launched an online petition, which has already been signed by thousands of people, against the development.

And several people have contacted their MPs, asking them to support the opposition to the proposals.