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, as well as a new nursery and retail space.
The NHS site was sold to Network Homes in 2019, through a One Public Estate (OPE) project - a government programme that encourages the sale of public land.
Five objections were submitted by neighbours to the plans, raising concerns about the loss of green space, the scale of development, loss of biodiversity, loss of existing housing, increased traffic and parking demand, and construction nuisance.
At a committee meeting on December 9, chairman Cllr Matt Kelcher 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 (37pc) deemed affordable, with the remaining flats offered under various other schemes such as shared ownership.
Council officers said 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, said the development would “activate and enliven” the entrance to the hospital.
He said 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 a part of a major redevelopment at Northwick Park. Plans for the next phase of up to 946 homes, university facilities, and public realm upgrades to the area in front of Northwick Park Tube station will be decided at planning committee in early 2021.
The overall transformation is being delivered through a partnership between Network Homes, London North West Hospitals NHS Trust, Brent Council and the University of Westminster through a One Public Estate (OPE) project.
David Gooch, executive director of development at Network Homes, said: “We’re really pleased to get this exciting transformation underway. It will bring much needed affordable homes and jobs to the area. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners at Brent Council, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust and the University of Westminster to transform Northwick Park into a thriving neighbourhood.”
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