A ‘99p store’ will be redeveloped into an eight-storey building to provide more than 40 new homes after plans were given the green light by Brent Council.

Its planning committee agreed to proposals to replace the two-storey building in High Road, Wembley, with 44 flats.

There were some written objections from those living nearby, who saw this as quite a drastic change that could impact on infrastructure and increase traffic congestion.

Cllr Arshad Mahmood abstained when voting on the application due to the level of affordable housing, which is around nine per cent, something he said could be “better”.

He said: “This is a prime town centre location in a busy shopping area where properties will demand a high price.

“We have just four units out of 44 that are affordable so I cannot support this.”

Council officers explained that mechanical ventilation units will be installed to protect new residents from the higher than normal pollution levels in this area.

Cllr James Denselow, chairman of the planning committee, said the technical details of these systems will become more relevant as more planning applications in town centres come forward.

The scheme will have six parking spaces at basement level, which will all be for blue badge holders.

Officers noted that this is acceptable given the site is in an existing controlled parking zone and is close to various forms of public transport.

They added this is part of a wider council ambition to shift towards more sustainable transport in the borough and reduce the number of cars on its streets.