PINNER residents met on Monday evening to work out how to tell a developer planning to build a block of flats to "SOD OFF".

People living in Eastcote Road and surrounding streets are angry that Ruislip-based Wistdale Developments wants to build the three-storey block at 154-156 Eastcote Road, instead of the three houses originally proposed.

They have united under the slogan "Save Our District, Oppose Fifteen Flats", SOD OFF for short, and have written to Harrow Council explaining their opposition.

They say the site entrance would be within yards of the already dangerous junction with Rochester Drive, increasing the risk to pedestrians, especially children walking to and from two nearby schools, and increasing congestion.

The site is opposite West Towers conservation area and protesters believe the scale of the proposed building is not in keeping with existing homes, and would change the character of the estate.

Conservation area rules say that residents' privacy and light should not be affected by new extensions to houses or developments affecting gardens, street trees or verges.

Kathleen Byatt, of Eastcote Road, said the proposed block would destroy garden trees and hedges, and that the west boundary of the site, which is the Harrow-Hillingdon borough bounday includes an old hedgerow and several protected ancient oak trees.

The depth of excavation needed to construct an underground car park could seriously damage the roots of these beautiful trees, she added.

"Although the site under consideration does not fall within our conservation area, it is directly opposite and will greatly exceed the height of any of the West Towers properties, along with all others within at least half a mile," she said.

Residents also fear the high density of the development would affect the already inadequate mains water pressure in Rochester Drive. The underground parking may affect the water table and cause floods.

Ron Harley of Rochester Drive said: "It all comes down to money. The developer is going to get money from the flats, and the council is going to get more money from tax. I hope they use commonsense and put safety first."

Pinner South councillors Chris Mote, John Nickolay and Gordon Williams are supporting the residents. Councillor Nickolay (Conservative) said: "We are not pleased with this. If it's granted, it creates an awful precedent for Harrow and Hillingdon, with family houses giving way to lots of flats."

Action group chairman Malcolm Unwin, of Rochester Drive, said that at Monday's meeting the campaigners agreed to write more letters to the council, distribute leaflets and put up posters, and hold regular protests outside the site.

Wistdale Developments was not available for comment.

The next meeting will be at 7pm on December 15 in St Andrew's United Reformed Church in Bridle Road. For more information, call Kathleen Byatt on 020 8866 1292.