Proposals for a redevelopment project at Northwick Park Hospital that will provide hundreds of new homes were approved by Brent Council.

Its planning committee unanimously approved the scheme, which will result in 654 flats alongside a new nursery and retail space.

Cllr Matt Kelcher, chairman of the committee, expressed some concerns about the amount of affordable housing, with just 70 units (11 per cent) offered at London affordable rent levels.

This is part of a total of 245 homes (37 per cent) deemed affordable, with the remaining flats offered under various other schemes such as shared ownership.

Council officers explained this was the maximum amount of London affordable provision the developer could offer for the scheme to remain viable.

Mark Connell, speaking on behalf of planning agent Sphere 25, explained that the development would “activate and enliven” the entrance to the hospital.

He added that new lighting would provide increased security for those travelling to nearby London Underground stations and confirmed emergency vehicles would have dedicated access to the site.

The plans are part of a wider redevelopment at the site, which includes a £10 million investment on a key access road that was approved by Brent Council’s cabinet in November.