Plans to build 45 flats on a former warehouse site in Harlesden have sparked a protest by residents who say the development is too large and will overlook a girls’ school.

Residents and councillors in Harlesden are urging planning chiefs to reject the scheme from The Beckley Group for 45 flats across two tower blocks on Manor Park Road when it comes before them next Wednesday.

If accepted the former warehouse will change use from ‘industrial’ to ‘residential’ use with a further seven storey extension above it to accommodate 24 flats. A block of eight storeys will be built next to it containing 21 flats including studios and three-bedroom ‘maisonettes’.

Opponents to the scheme argue the site is too small and the blocks are too high.

They also claim the Convent of Jesus and Mary Language College, which is behind the development, on Crownhill Road, will be overlooked.

Ian Britton, a local resident, said: “These plans are well advanced. They’re going to convert the old warehouse and on the tiny piece of land next to it, that’s where they’ll build a block from scratch.

“The development ends within 1.5metres of the boundary with a girls’ school. It will overlook them and will cast shadows over their grounds.

“They are going to cram people in a really tiny area and that section of Manor Park Road is already really congested.

Since September the scheme has been amended with an updated fire strategy to include sprinklers and alarm systems.

Mr Britton added: “The space between the development and the school is too narrow, firefighters won’t be able to get through. The whole thing is a farce.”

Cllr Jun Bo Chan and Cllr Claudia Hector, who represents Kensal Green, joined protesters at the site at the weekend to hear their concerns.

Cllr Chan said: “We came here to offer our support to local residents, who spoke to us expressing their concerns about the height of the scheme, as well as the impact which it will have on the traffic.

“We really hope the council will seriously listen to residents and their concerns, and take concrete steps to alleviate them.”

The planning committee meeting is on October 18 at 7pm.