Plans for an artificial sports pitch and cricket nets at a secondary school in Kenton were approved, despite neighbours’ concerns this will “change their daily lives”.

Brent Council’s planning committee approved the proposals for a second floodlit 3G pitch and nets to replace a grass field at Claremont High School, in Claremont Avenue.

It came despite objections from those living close to the school, who said the noise and light associated with the new facilities would have a negative impact on their homes.

They added the increased number of users – the pitches would be rented out to the wider community outside school hours – could lead to traffic “gridlock” on the surrounding streets.

“This proposal will change our daily lives and impact on our health and wellbeing,” said Sue Wood, representing “approximately 2,000 people” through the Wealdstone Brook Residents’ Association.

“The residents feel that they have not been listened to. It’s quite frightening what this proposal will do to our area.”

She was critical of the fact that a noise and traffic assessment had not been attached to the application and suggested the proposed brightness of the floodlights was unacceptable.

Cllr Michael Maurice, who represents Kenton ward, agreed that these facilities would negatively affect neighbouring properties.

He was the only committee member to vote against the plans and suggested they had “not been assessed properly”.

He said those living nearby will “lose the enjoyment of their gardens” as a result of the new pitches, which could be used until 9pm.

Cllr Suresh Kansagra, who also represents Kenton ward, spoke on behalf of the objectors, and urged the council to block the proposals.

“Broadly speaking, I am in favour of granting permission for school facilities but, in this case, I have very grave reservations,” he said.

“This will be an extra burden for residents to bear, and we have to say enough is enough – this is an overdevelopment.”

Nicola Hyde-Boughey, head teacher at Claremont High School, said the new facilities would “improve the experience for our students”.

She explained it would simply act as an extension to the first pitch, which received planning permission in 2009, and would replace the less-reliable grass one.

“It’s been a great benefit for our students, and we have been expanding for a number of years now, so we need that extra outdoor space,” she said.

“Our students are always asking for it because they’re always queueing up to use the current space.”

She added there would not be issues with parking as any extra users could make use of the 100-space car park at the site.

Brent Council officers added that there would be limited overspill onto neighbouring properties and, while some additional noise is expected, it is considered to be “reasonable”.