Plans for more than 100 new council homes in North London have been given the green light by Sadiq Khan, despite concerns the development could lead to more crime in the area. 

The Mayor of London’s planning team approved an application for 125 flats – of which 45 will be for residents with extra care needs – in three blocks up to 14 storeys tall at Claire Court and Watling Gardens in Kilburn’s Shoot Up Hill. 

This was despite fears an increase in the number of residents on the estate will “potentially give more, not less opportunities for crime”. Several objections were submitted to Brent Council’s planning portal, with one resident suggesting that “everyone knows that these kinds of ‘tower blocks’ lead to an increase in crime”. 

Many of those opposed to the scheme criticised the size of the planned development, which they said was “too bulky” and could “overwhelm” neighbouring homes. 

Others said the removal of 13 trees would be “unnecessary”, even if developers intend to plant 75 new trees as part of the project. Developer JLL, who will work with the council on this scheme, said it will make use of “underutilised land” and will contribute towards Brent’s council house target of 1,000 new homes by 2024. 

Planning officers recommended the application be approved despite acknowledging there would be some loss of daylight for those living nearby. They added new residents would be banned from applying for parking permits, while existing residents would have access to the 59 parking spaces currently on offer, to address any concerns around increased traffic. 

The council’s planning committee agreed with the officers’ recommendations as it unanimously approved the proposals at a meeting earlier this year. At the same meeting, the committee approved plans for 60 new council homes at Windmill Court, also in Shoot Up Hill, across two seven storey blocks. 

Cllr Shama Tatler, lead councillor for regeneration said these developments show the council remains committed to building new social homes in Brent, with ambitions to add another 700 over the next four years.