Plans for a new building that could be almost 40 metres high – likely to be 11 storeys – moved to the next stage after receiving initial planning permission.

The development, which is part of Brent Council's regeneration scheme, was granted ‘outline’ approval for a project at Ujima House, in High Road, Wembley, by the council's planning committee on Wednesday.

It unanimously approved the initial concept of the scheme, which the development team say will provide a mixture of residential and ‘flexible workspace’ in a building up to 39.6m tall.

Some of those living close to the site - which is currently occupied by a five-storey building - objected to the proposals and urged the planning committee to carry out a site visit before making any final decision.

They expressed some concerns about the scale of the building – and the impact this could have on daylight and sunlight for neighbouring properties – but council officers assured the committee the design was acceptable at this stage.

There were also concerns around access for larger vehicles that might use the site, as well as those needed for construction, but, again, officers suggested it would be suitable to come down High Road.

The council said feedback for the design had been “overwhelmingly positive” and that it had gone “above and beyond to try and engage with as many people as possible”.

The committee felt, as this was for outline permission, the scheme is likely to come back to it in a more detailed form at a later stage.

It unanimously agreed to support the design at this point based on the opinions of their officers.