Service users in the Mind allotment in Stapleton Hall Road.

It is feared plans for a block of flats above a mental health support centre in Stroud Green could scare away vulnerable users.

Mind in Haringey director Anita Hudson.

The proposal to add a two-storey extension, housing three flats, above The Triangle restaurant, in Ferme Park Road, has sparked concerns that the new development would overlook Mind in Haringey users sitting in the charity’s gardens in Stapleton Hall Road.

Anita Hudson, director of Mind in Haringey, said: “People sit out in the garden and eat, and they don’t want to be overlooked by people living in flats.

“I’m sure that some of our more vulnerable service users wouldn’t come because they wouldn’t feel safe.

“With some mental illnesses it can make you paranoid, so I don’t know what effect it would have. It’s a real worry.”

But Chris Georgiou, of CG Architects, who have drawn up the plans, said there would be “no overlooking to the Mind rear garden” and that the proposed development would instead “overlook the roof of the Mind building”.

He added: “None of these complaints have grounds. Somebody has started a complaint in the area and everyone has jumped on the bandwagon.

“We are willing to work with the local community to make sure that the development is as stress-free as possible.”

The restaurant would be retained but would close for the duration of the building work, which could take up to nine months.

Kit Greveson, chairman of Stroud Green Residents Association, said: “The restaurant has been there a long time.

“It has become a quirky addition to that corner of the street and I don’t think the proposal will lend anything to the street scene.”

Referring to the effect the development would have on Mind service users, she added: “The gardens are very therapeutic for these people.

“I think that anything which is going to reduce the good work they are doing there has to be looked at very carefully.”