Brent Council granted permission for new affordable homes to be built on the site of a car park and a set of garages despite concerns from neighbouring properties.

It unanimously approved the scheme at Pharamond Garages, in Willesden Lane, which will see ten new flats built in a four-storey building.

This came despite concerns from those living close to the site, and those of Cllr Erica Gbajumbo, who suggested the new development could negatively impact the surrounding area.

According to a council report, there were 13 objections to the project over concerns including the scale of the building, increased noise issues and suggestions the garages are more useful.

Rebecca Woolf, who lives near the site, criticised the development’s design – noting that will impact on neighbours’ privacy – and raised concerns about disruption during the construction period.

Cllr Gbajumbo said she had received several comments from residents who had highlighted similar issues.

She suggested that privacy could be a problem, particularly if the new flats overlooked areas where young children would frequently play.

And she said this would be particularly problematic if the borough were to experience a similar situation to the one brought about by the coronavirus outbreak, which means people are relying on outdoor spaces more than ever.

Despite these concerns, council officers assured the committee that the new block would be a sufficient distance from current properties.

Developers, represented by JLL Planning, explained that this scheme is in line with the council’s ambitions to “redevelop underutilised sites for much needed affordable housing”.

These affordable homes will be offered at London Affordable Rent, which is no more than 80 per cent of the market value.

However, just one property will be suitable for families by offering three bedrooms – this is alongside two one-bed and six two-bed flats.