The redevelopment of a former day care centre for 120 new homes and supermarket has been given the go-ahead by councillors.

Planning permission for the Anmer Lodge site, in Stanmore, was granted by members of Harrow Borough Councils Planning committee last night.

Work on the site will include a new Marks & Spencer supermarket and cafe, a multi-storey car park and 120 new homes.

During the meeting Councillor Marilyn Ashton, who represents Stanmore Park, said: “This is an over development of the site and the traffic surveys are wrong.

“I urge the committee to defer this decision to give us more time to look at this.”

Cabinet member for planning and development Cllr Stephen Greek said: "I have lived in Stanmore all my life and when residents raise traffic issues I recognise them as they are the issues I have to deal with.

“Whatever happens this evening and if we do approve this project it will be up to all of us to make sure it works for everyone in Stanmore.”

Speaking in favour of the plans, Cllr Sachin Shah said: “I like these and I like the fact there is more housing for the borough.

“There is a shortage of housing in Harrow, London and the whole country. There is a housing crisis and this is what Harrow needs.”

The plans were passed with four members voting in favour of the plans and three others abstaining.

Proposals for the site in Coverdale Close were announced in August last year following a deal between Harrow Council, Notting Hill Housing and Marks & Spencer.

Since the announcement there have been concerns from people living near the site at the size and scale of the housing on the site and possible increase in traffic.

MP Bob Blackman had lodged his objections to the plans which included an excessive number of homes for the site and the increase in traffic in the surrounding area.