The possible creation of new “concrete jungles” sparked a debate about regeneration in Harrow.

Cllr Marilyn Ashton, deputy leader of Harrow Conservatives, quizzed Harrow Council’s cabinet on the work in Harrow View East – the site of the old Kodak factory.

She described the proposed buildings as “faceless tower blocks” and suggested that the planned infrastructure would not necessarily support the development.

“We are in danger of making estates which will become concrete jungles and sink estates,” she said.

“It’s not just about nimbyism and the current residents in Harrow but those who are going to move into our borough.”

The plans at the Kodak site include green spaces, a new health centre, retail and employment space, and a primary school.

Developers are confident this will provide sufficient support to those moving into the new homes and will not put added strain on the area.

But Cllr Paul Osborn, leader of Harrow Conservatives, disagreed and suggested that Harrow is “turning into Stratford but without the infrastructure behind it”.

“The council is turning Harrow into a concrete jungle with more and more tower blocks,” he said.

“We have doctors in Harrow that can’t cope, we don’t have enough trains coming in and out of Harrow, we don’t have enough school places and yet we’re adding more pressure.”

Cllr Keith Ferry, responsible for regeneration, planning and employment at Harrow Council, pointed out that the size of the Kodak development – up to 1,800 units and 18 storeys high – is shaped by the demand for more homes in the borough.

“If we are going to meet our housing targets, it will include buildings of some height,” he said.

“I’m not in favour of huge tower blocks, but there are a lot of areas we cannot build on and I know you will appreciate that we have these targets.”

Responding to claims of insufficient parking and transport issues, he explained that the council is working with Transport for London to reduce the number of cars on the road and promote sustainable travel.

He added that it is trying to get the borough’s proposed stock, which currently stands at 1,392 in the emerging London Plan, down to a more “realistic” target of 1,000.