NEIGHBOURS of an old factory site believe resources will “struggle” if plans to double the amount of homes there are approved.

Persimmon Homes is proposing to build 600 new homes on the Harrow View West development, which will begin in October.

They reportedly paid £50 million to build on a third of the former Zoom Leisure Centre site owned by Kodak Alaris in Wealdstone, after being granted planning permission by Harrow Council last year.

Pamela Swain, of Pinner Park Avenue, has complained the development was originally only supposed to include 314 new houses and flats.

The 63-year-old, who has lived in the area for 30 years, says there will be too many houses if the plans go ahead, which could cause traffic problems.

She said: “It is seriously concerning and I feel it is going to ruin this part of Harrow.

“They have suddenly changed the plans after originally being allowed to build 314 homes and this amount will just block many of the surrounding roads.

“My road backs onto the other side of the development and it may lead to endless traffic jams.”

Ms Swain added it would be “ridiculous” to add new homes to an already largely populated area.

She said: “There are 100 homes along my street, so infrastructure will need to be considered if there are hundreds of new homes.

“Pollution problems will be damaging for those who live here and the pipes are old and will not cope with a huge amount of extra sewage.

“It is a nice area to live and I do not want it to be ruined.”

Alison Forrest feels angry the development is “ruining” the trees and wildlife.

She said: “I am disgusted at Harrow Council’s behaviour over the development, particularly the destruction of 100 year old poplar trees.

“I'm kicking myself that I didn't take a photo of the original view from the manor towards Harrow View because the poplars shielded the industrial development beautifully and were home to numerous birds and possibly bats.

“The council is really determined to allow the Harrow area to be bulldozed and sold to the highest investor.”

Cllr Steven Greek, for Harrow Weald and a planning committee member, said the development needed to consider families rather than “cramming” too many flats in the area.

He said: “I think this scheme is very disappointing and I think the previous plan was much better, as they didn’t try to impose too many homes on the site.

“The new scheme wants to cram as many houses as possible and ruin the local area without thinking about the infrastructure needed, such as new schools.

“These sorts of developments are wrong for Harrow as they are flats rather than family homes.”

People will have the chance to learn more about the project during two drop-in sessions at the marketing suite at Harrow View, on Tuesday June 14, between 4.30pm and 7.30pm, and Wednesday June 15, between 2pm and 4pm.

A spokesperson for Persimmon Homes North London, who was not named, said: “Harrow View West has long been identified by the local authority as an area for housing and we are committed to providing much needed new homes in the area.

“There is a substantial demand for properties in the region, with the development being thoroughly assessed by the local authority.”