Controversial plans to tear down a former college and build a care home in its place were given the go ahead by councillors last night.

Harrow Council planning committee were split about whether the Buckingham College School land in Hindes Road should be taken away from educational use, but the proposed development of 29 flats for retirees was eventually approved by a majority vote.

Objections were heard from Henry Watson, who spoke for neighbouring Alpha Preparatory School, who said the well being of pupils would suffer if the project was granted planning permission.

He said: "Our main concern is the health and safety of the children.

"The actual demolition and building process, which in my experience can take 18 months, they'll be dust, noise disruption.

"We suspect there is asbestos in materials on the site, which will have to be carefully managed.

"We are also concerned with over looking from the new development to the young children's toilets."

Mr Watson further noted that traffic would increase going in and out the new apartment block, putting children walking to the school entrance in danger.

But the applicant said he wanted to work with the school to bring forward the proposals, during the building phase and management of the site.

He said there would be no windows, balcony or part of the roof terrace which could overlook the school toilets and added that the company was signed up to the considerate construction code and traffic movements from the development at peak school times had been calculated at three an hour.

After councillors' voiced concerns the affordable housing contribution on the project of £216, 750 was too low, he said it was the maximum that could be afforded and keep the development viable.

However, Cllr Stephen Greek, who voted against the plans with his fellow Conservatives on the committee, was concerned the site had not been adequately marketed for education providers.

He said the requirement was important to ensure education land is not lost in the borough unnecessarily.

Cllr Greek said: "I am concerned about the loss of education land. Harrow has a great shortage of education spaces, we're expanding all the time."

The plans were approved on majority vote of four to three.