A community is set to benefit from a new neighbourhood plan after almost 90 per cent of people voted in favour of adopting it.

The Harlesden Neighbourhood Plan will guide development in the area and help shape planning policies for the next 15 years.

Designed by the Harlesden Neighbourhood Forum, it was backed by 89.61 per cent of almost 1,300 voters and will now become a statutory document.

Its committee, led by chairman the Rev Leao Neto, said: “Thank you, particularly to our dedicated volunteers, for getting involved in the plan development since 2015, and supporting the referendum campaign over the past few weeks.

“However, this is just the start – we hope people will join us to begin delivering on our aspirations as a passionate, active and positive community.”

The plan aims to focus on more affordable housing for the area, reducing homelessness and the impact of traffic, and providing a new community hub.

It hopes to resolve some of the challenges faced by residents in recent years – such as rising living costs and access to employment – while maintaining the region’s heritage.

Cllr Shama Tatler, responsible for regeneration, highways and planning at Brent Council, said: “We’re working with residents to create a future fit for all and to get regeneration right.

“The community members of the Harlesden Neighbourhood Forum put a lot of hard work into creating this neighbourhood plan and they now have the support of the local residents to make it a legal document.”