Harrow Council approved plans for more than 30 new flats at two sites, as it continues to try and meet testing housing targets.

Its planning committee unanimously granted permission for a scheme at Middlesex House, in High Street, Edgware, that will provide eight new homes.

They will be housed in a new third floor in a building that was previously used as office space but is currently vacant.

Despite one objection from the nearby Shishukunj Community Centre, which voiced concerns about increased traffic and the impact on its operations, the scheme was deemed appropriate.

The committee also passed a project in Uxbridge Road, Hatch End, that will create 26 new homes in a three to four storey block.

This scheme, which will replace four detached properties, was supported by the four Labour councillors on the committee.

The opposition Conservative councillors chose to abstain after Cllr Stephen Greek said he could not support the proposals “in principle”.

It came after objections from neighbours who were concerned about the size of the new block and the impact new residents would have on traffic in the area despite the allocation of one space per home.