A supermarket is set to lose 160 of its car parking spaces after Brent Council gave the green light to a development that will create almost 200 new homes.

Its planning committee unanimously approved the scheme near Morrisons, in Honeypot Lane, Queensbury, last night.

Two new housing blocks – one seven-storeys high – will be built on the shop’s car park, which will be reduced to 405 spaces, while a third building will make use of the land at the junction between Westmoreland Road and Cumberland Road.

Despite opposition from 23 people who live near the site, councillors were convinced that the scheme would have a positive impact on the area.

This includes the fact that 30 per cent of the homes will be deemed affordable, and 70 per cent of these will be available on affordable rent.

But Robert Dunwell, of Winchester Avenue, suggested that there were several problems that council officers had failed to address.

He argued that the number of proposed parking spaces, 60, was “inappropriate” and that there were issues relating to privacy and a possible increase in anti-social behaviour.

But Mark Jackson, director of planning at Fairview New Homes, insisted that this was a perfect opportunity to contribute towards the region’s housing needs.

He said: “This is a brownfield, under-utilised site that is ideally located for new homes.

“We strive to create high-quality homes for our residents and this scheme has been carefully considered in terms of the local contacts.”

Planning officer Victoria McDonagh assured the committee that the car parking situation had been “robustly reviewed” and new residents would not be able to make use of the recently-implemented controlled parking zone (CPZ).

She added that the buildings, at 78m away, would be a “considerable distance” to neighbouring Winchester Avenue and further protection would be provided by the railway embankment.

Mr Jackson explained that his company would aim to complete the Section 106 agreement – which would require a financial contribution – in “the next couple of months”.

He added that, if passed by the Greater London Authority, developers would hope to start work in March and complete the scheme by summer 2021.