A crumbling sheltered housing site is set to be redeveloped to provide better care for people in Harrow.

The council’s planning committee unanimously voted to approve a scheme at Wolstenholme, Stanmore, which will provide 59 affordable homes.

Planning officers noted the delicate situation of the location – namely that it lies on garden land and is a heritage site – but asked the committee to weigh this up against the public benefits.

Cllr Ghazanfar Ali led the campaign for approval and suggested that this would be a step towards improved care in the borough.

He said: “The current site is derelict and is probably costing a lot of money. This proposal will greatly enhance the area and provide much needed care facilities to our residents.”

The development will include the demolition of the rectory building, which was traditionally used by clergy associated with the nearby St John’s Church.

The current Wolstenholme building, an Edwardian house with a 1970s extension, will also be knocked down.

They will make way for two modern three-storey buildings, which will be connected by a pedestrian walkway to “enhance social interaction”.

To combat the potential damage against the garden land, and the heritage of the site, the Harrow Churches Housing Association will offer up a contribution of almost £70,000.

And the homes, which will be 100 per cent affordable, will be available to those on the council’s waiting lists.