An iconic cinema that specialises in showing Bollywood films could make way for almost 80 new homes.

Harrow Council received a planning application for the site of the Safari Cinema, in Station Road.

There are plans to build 78 flats in a block up to 11 storeys high – though the application also states there will be space for a cinema to be maintained.

The original cinema opened in 1936, featuring an art deco-style façade, and showcased a variety of films and other acts.

It has gone through numerous changes – notably, in terms of design, the introduction of metal cladding on the front – and is now a specialist Bollywood cinema.

The application notes there are plans to incorporate the original look, which could see the art deco features return.

A church – the V2V Community Church – also uses the site and, when there were “initial discussions” about the cinema’s future last year, its pastor, Douglas Goodman, called on people to lobby against further developments.

The council has sent out letters to nearby residents inviting them to comment on the application ahead of a decision being taken.