Councillors have expressed serious concerns about a major development on a well-known factory site.

Developers working on the Harrow View East scheme, which will replace the old Kodak factory, gave a presentation last night updating elected representatives on its progress.

Those from Barratt London and Hyde outlined their vision for a “proper mixed-use development” made up of homes – some of which are affordable – business space and various amenities.

Despite assurances that the work is in line with advice from council officers, several councillors expressed doubts that these plans are appropriate.

Cllr Stephen Greek, who also sits on the council’s planning committee, said: “We’re talking about this as an exercise of cramming as many units as possible into this area.

“I’m sorry to say it but I just don’t see how it fits into Harrow. I would strongly suggest looking at it again before bringing a formal application because this will not go down well.”

As well as criticising the building designs, which will house up to 1,800 homes in blocks up to 18 storeys high, he suggested the parking situation has been overlooked.

A low parking ratio has been suggested based on similar applications in London and to encourage sustainable transport.

But Cllr Greek argued that, while this might be fine for getting into central London, residents who need to travel to other nearby areas will suffer.

He was backed up by Cllr Marilyn Ashton, deputy leader of Harrow Conservatives, who agreed that “we need cars in this borough”.

She also questioned the overall infrastructure associated with the development, which will serve thousands of people.

“We need the amenities. We need shops, we need family homes and we need somewhere that will allow these people to blow off a bit of steam,” she said.

The developers defended their plans but said they would take the panel’s comments on board.

And Cllr Keith Ferry, chairman of the planning committee, admitted that, in some cases, local authorities must consider the pressing need for more homes.

“In an ideal world, every building would be two-storeys with space for three cars outside,” he said.

“But we have to try and be accommodating, and, if we want to get anywhere near our housing targets, we will have to make some harsh decisions about the size of the buildings we build.”