Hundreds of new homes will replace a large clothing store on a high street, despite concerns it will damage the area’s heritage.

Brent Council’s planning committee narrowly approved a scheme at the site of Matalan, in Cricklewood Broadway, that will provide 239 flats across three new blocks, the tallest of which will be seven storeys.

This came despite objections from those living close to the site, as well as representations from Mapesbury ward councillor Lia Colacicco, who suggested the proposals were inappropriate.

Chris Miller, speaking on behalf of Railway Terraces Residents’ Association, explained that a seven-storey building was too great and suggested new proposals were put forward with a maximum height of five storeys.

He added that approving the scheme in its current form would alter the character of the area.

“When my wife and I had children, we were looking for somewhere where we could bring them up where there would be a sense of community, a sense of belonging and a sense of history,” he told the committee.

“The reason that exists is because the people who move there, want to live in that secluded community.

“If you have high-rise buildings looming over communal gardens, that destroy the history and beauty of the environment, then you will not have people who want to live in that community.

“So, the virtuous cycle I’ve just described will be undermined and become a vicious cycle – people will become transient.”

Ben Tansley, from the NorthWestTWO Residents’ Association, said he was not against development at the site but suggested these proposals would have a negative effect in terms of light and privacy on neighbouring homes, while the private amenity space offered would be “sub-standard”.

They were supported by Cllr Colacicco, who also suggested the “Manhattan style” design with a road running through the two main blocks was less than ideal.

It was acknowledged that the planning committee must strike a “balance” between supporting new housing and protecting the existing community, but the objectors felt the proposed development would fail to achieve this.

The three councillors who voted against the council officers’ recommendation to approve the scheme – Michael Maurice, Liz Dixon, and Robert Johnson – agreed the impact on the surrounding area would be too detrimental.

They also questioned the level of private amenity space and criticised the level of affordable housing at the site, which covered just 50 units (21 per cent).

However, the remaining five members of the committee supported the officers’ recommendation, which meant it passed with a majority vote.

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