Neighbours have expressed fear for their safety as the demolition of an old pub has gone forward while apparently causing nearby homes to shake.

The White Bear, an old public house in the Burroughs, Hendon, was torn down last month after over seven years of repeatedly rejected planning applications from Platinum Riverside Ltd.

Platinum recently secured permission from Barnet Council to build on the land, on the condition the demolition was only partial – a condition residents believe has been invalidated.

Residents in and around the Burroughs have long lobbied the council to block construction at the White Bear site which could be considered out of character for the old building.

Brad Blitz, a professor at Middlesex University and Burroughs resident, said he felt his own home shake as demolition went ahead in December.

He said: “This demolition comes at the end of our seven-year campaign opposing work which would spoil the character of our street – which proudly boasts buildings from a mix of eras.

“I live in an old Georgian house with no foundation and, judging by the tremors we felt during the White Bear’s demolition, their construction plans are not safe.

“The full demolition was not approved by the council so it was unbelievable to see it finally go ahead.”

The site is being developed by Platinum, who are the property freeholders, as seven apartments collectively known under the project name “the Location”.

According to Platinum, “careful analysis” of the White Bear structure led to them concluding it could not be partially demolished and would have to come down completely.

Further applications were made to the council, which they said were approved on the condition the reconstructed building be in keeping with the White Bear.

Platinum said they researched the quarry which supplied the original stones in 1936 and these materials will be replicated.

Company director Isaac Salem said: “Engineers were instructed to provide a report into the impact of the ground works on the neighbouring properties.

“The report showed that the ground works are not expected to create significant levels of noise or vibration.

“In the unlikely event any unexpected damage is caused, we are committed to undertaking necessary repairs in a safe and timely fashion.”

Resident David Pixner, another resident opposing the demolition, said the council had failed to properly notify residents of the impending works.

Barnet Council put a temporary stop on the works when it became aware of the demolition.

Chair of the planning committee Cllr Melvin Cohen, said: “The unlawful demolition of any building in the borough is something we take extremely seriously.

“The council’s planning enforcement team is currently investigating the circumstances of this case and will consider what action may be appropriate.

“A temporary stop notice was served to ensure no damage could occur to a number of protected trees on site or to any nearby listed buildings as a result of vibration from the works.”

The council is currently investigating whether or not the developer undertook more demolition work than was agreed.