Concerns about overdevelopment and a lack of affordable housing did not stop plans for 386 homes and a 14-storey tower block getting planning consent.

Barnet Borough Council’s planning committee last night narrowly voted to support proposals for the former Homebase site in Rookery Way, Colindale.

The scheme includes eight blocks of flats up to eight storeys high, a cafe, business hub and a 14-storey tower block next to the Edgware Road.

Twenty per cent of the scheme will be affordable housing, consisting of 37 affordable rented homes and 41 intermediate homes, which could mean people part-buy the properties.

Objectors warned councillors about overdevelopment and the strain on infrastructure and services in the area, including GP surgeries.

Pravin Patel, who lives in Colindale, said there was no support for the scheme in the area.

He argued that it was unsustainable, with 265 homes per hectare, and would have a huge impact on the health of residents.

Mr Patel added: “This is the most high density project ever conceived in Colindale. It only serves the interests of the developers. I cannot believe they say they can only afford 20 per cent affordable housing."

Labour councillor Claire Farrier, who sits on the committee, said there was already “too much” housing in the area.

Cllr Farrier said: “I was quite shocked how huge and dense it is. This is outside of the main Colindale redevelopment. There isn’t enough affordable rented housing provided there for local people.”

Developers pledged to contribute £275,000 towards business services and to deliver 23 apprenticeships.

Speaking on behalf of developer Rolfe Judd, Jan Donovan said: “The scheme provides opportunities for young people and businesses. Officers have recognised the high quality of the scheme. We hope you will agree this application brings significant benefits.”

She told the committee that concerns had been raised about the impact on health services, and that space had been earmarked for GP provision.

Questioned on how the affordable housing figure had been reached, Ms Donovan said: “It comes down to financial viability. It was robustly tested. The scheme has to be viable, therefore the mix is what officers considered acceptable. It came back to 20 per cent. We started lower than that.”

The committee approved the plans by six votes to five.