Fears pedestrians could be run over trying to access a new tower block have been raised with council planning bosses.

Residents of Stanmore and local councillors criticised plans for a six-storey building on the site of a car park just off the high street. 

They argued it will be dangerous for people trying to get to the new building as they navigate narrow roads which they would have to share with cars and delivery vehicles.

The plans for 21 flats and dozens of car parking spaces were marginally approved by Harrow Council last night (Wednesday, December 8). 

Local councillor Marilyn Ashton said the current design is “unacceptable”, “dangerous” and she is “anxious” about what those living in the new flats will have to face.

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She added residents might be forced to use a narrow footpath next to the nearby library, which could also be seen as unsafe, particularly when it is dark. 

Cllr Norman Stevenson said: “I don’t think we’re really addressing the access for pedestrians and the safety issues.”

Ewan Maynard, who lives next to the site, said there was a clear “danger issue”, particularly as people park along the narrow roads used to access the current car park. 

He agreed he would “wouldn’t walk down the alleyway by the library at night”.

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Ewan also criticised the impact the development would have on local services, including GP surgeries which, in his view, are “so oversubscribed as it is”. 

In his objection letter, he added: “With developments like this getting approved, Stanmore will no longer become a good place to live.”

Conservative councillors Ashton and Stevenson, as well as their colleague Cllr Christopher Baxter, voted against the plans. 

Labour councillor Ajay Maru chose to abstain, while his party colleagues Cllr Simon Brown, Cllr Rekha Shah and committee chairman Cllr Nitin Parekh, who had the casting vote, supported the scheme.

Lottie Hirst, representing the applicant Stanmore Property Developments, said the scheme would turn an “undesirable car park into a vibrant residential area”. 

She added the initial plans approved in January, which were for nine flats alongside office space, have changed due to the shift towards working from home. 

She said this allowed developers to provide more flats – though none will be affordable – and more money towards schools and GP services under a new application.