Plans for a 19-storey tower block were approved by Brent Council despite concerns that such developments are “driving people out” of the area.

The council’s planning committee gave the green light to a scheme in Bridgewater Road, Alperton, that will provide 124 new homes.

Developers pointed out that these will all be affordable, and the project will make use of land that has been vacant for several years.

But Cllr Anton Georgiou, who represents Alperton ward, said this was the latest example of overdevelopment in the region that is turning it into a “mini city” and “forever changing its character”.

“When Alperton was identified as a growth area, it never imagined it would have 19-storey buildings in it,” he said.

“This is another unneeded, unwanted and unnecessary tower block in the area – residents are fed up.”

He described the scheme as a “towering monstrosity” that will “not serve” those living in the area, many of whom are being “driven out” due to a lack of infrastructure.

“Speaking to residents they have told me that ‘Alperton is a place to sleep, not to live’,” he added.

He was supported by Cllr Michael Maurice, who voted against the proposals and said he was “very worried” about the size of the development and its impact on the surrounding area.

Council officers explained that the acute need for housing in Brent has led to greater acceptance of taller buildings.

Eve Ladden Timbers, planning associate at Barton Willmore, accepted that the impact on infrastructure is a “key concern”.

She added there are plans to provide employment opportunities for local residents, a tree-planting scheme, and a contribution to bus service improvements to mitigate this.

And Cllr James Denselow, chairman of the planning committee, pointed out that the scheme must be judged independently despite the increasing number of developments in designated growth areas.

He voted in favour of the plans, alongside five other members of the committee.

Cllr Trupti Sangani, who also represents Alperton ward, voted to abstain on the basis that the development will not provide sufficient improvements to the surrounding area.