A former factory site is set for further redevelopment – including a bigger health centre – despite fears that it could turn into a “concrete jungle”.

Harrow Council’s planning committee voted in favour of expansion to part of Harrow View East, the site of the former Kodak factory.

It will see the creation of a further 97 homes in blocks up to 14 storeys, as well as a bigger healthcare facility, which will support the new development.

Labour councillors cited the increase of housing, and in particular affordable housing, which will now be 39 per cent, as a key reason for their support.

Cllr Christine Robson also praised the plans for the new health centre, while Cllr Simon Robson pointed out the low number of objections from the community during the consultation process.

But Conservative councillor Stephen Greek was less enthusiastic about the new plans and said the Kodak site was at risk of becoming an “overdevelopment”.

“Obviously we want to see more housing in the borough, but this is like throwing on as much as we can without thinking about the impact on the local community,” he said.

“This was a well-thought-out scheme, but all that is being turned on its head. This is a shame because it has the potential to be a great development.

“If we want people to live in a concrete jungle then we should approve it but, if we want them to live somewhere nice, we should think again.”

As part of the new proposals, the maximum height of the housing blocks will jump from eight to 14 storeys.

Beverley Kuchar, chief planning officer at Harrow Council, explained that this was not a concern for officers in terms of its impact on surrounding facilities, including the proposed new school.

She added that the parking at the site – a total of 27 spaces with eight reserved for the health centre – was “in line with the London plan” given the site’s proximity to Harrow and Wealdstone Station.

Last month, a petition was handed in to Harrow Council criticising the works at Harrow View East.

Campaigner Kuha Kumaran said: “Harrow needs more housing, but these should be family homes with adequate parking.”