Plans for a development to support the High Speed 2 (HS2) railway scheme were unanimously approved by councillors last night (Monday, May 24).

Brent Council’s planning committee supported proposals for a headhouse building in Canterbury Road, Kilburn, which will see a mechanical and electrical plant, a fan room, and vent stacks placed at the site.

The plans had already been approved under the High Speed Rail act 2017 but, given its location, councillors had to assess whether they needed to be altered to protect the local environment.

Brent Council officers had recommended the scheme be approved, despite concerns around its impact on the surrounding area.

They noted the proposals would be “acceptable” in terms of their effect on neighbouring properties, while the headhouse would be “largely screened” by existing buildings.

A report presented to the planning committee acknowledged the site’s proximity to the Kilburn conservation area but suggested it would not disturb any natural features and measures had been put in place to protect the wider environment.

New HS2 lines will connect trains between London, Birmingham, and other parts of the West Midlands, before joining up with routes servicing Manchester, the wider North West, and Scotland.

According to those involved with the project, it will “bring significant benefits for inter-urban rail travellers”, will “release capacity on the existing rail networks between London, Birmingham, and the West Midlands” and “provide opportunities to improve commuter, regional passenger and freight services”.