Plans to redevelop a site in Harrow town centre to provide almost 30 new homes were approved by the council.

Harrow Council’s planning committee unanimously voted to grant permission for the scheme opposite Gold’s Gym, in Bonnersfield Lane.

A new five-storey building will cater for 22 flats and commercial space, which will sit in front of six three-storey mews houses.

It will replace a mixture of businesses – including an MOT garage and car showroom – and residential properties.

Some concerns were raised by neighbours during an initial consultation on the proposals, including those around parking and the design of the building.

However, council officers noted that a contemporary scheme would “sit as a good quality addition to the street scene”.

They added that, despite being close by, it would not have a negative impact on the former Granada Cinema, a Grade II-listed building now occupied by the gym.

And in terms of parking, it will be a car-free development, aside from one blue badge space, and new residents will not be eligible for street parking permits.

There will not be any affordable housing at the new development; a report presented to the council’s planning committee stated that to provide such housing would make the scheme unviable.

This matter will be subject to possible further reviews in line with guidance set out by the Mayor of London.

Cllr Keith Ferry, chairman of the planning committee, noted the lack of further objections to the scheme once a second consultation had been held, as he and his six colleagues approved the plans.