Plans for almost 120 new homes on a Tube station car park that “united the community in opposition” have been refused consent by Harrow Council.

Its planning committee denied permission for 118 flats in Canons Park Station car park, noting concerns around the scale and design of the development and the impact on the surrounding area.

Transport for London (TfL), in partnership with housing association Catalyst, had argued the provision of new homes, all of which were deemed affordable, would benefit the borough.

However, thousands of residents criticised the loss of parking as part of the scheme, the seven-storey height of the three proposed buildings, and how it would affect the views of the Grade II listed 18th century landscape as seen from Canons Park.

They were supported by backbench councillors from both the Conservatives and the Labour Party, as well as several members of the planning committee, who described the proposals as “unacceptable”.

Cllr Ameet Jogia, who represents Canons ward, where the car park is situated, said this development is the “single biggest issue” he had encountered since he was elected in 2014.

“This has united the community in opposition,” he said. “It’s far more than just nimbyism, this will damage the landscape of Canons Park forever – an area drenched with history.”

His fellow Canons councillor Amir Moshenson suggested the scheme would be “bad for Harrow, bad for local businesses, bad for residents, and bad for current residents” as he urged the panel to reject it.

Both Labour’s Cllr James Lee, who spoke as a back bencher agains the plans, and Labour committee member Cllr Simon Brown acknowledged the need for more housing in Harrow and argued, on the face of it, a project with 100 per cent affordability would be welcomed.

But they could not see past the clear opposition from neighbours and the fact the scale of the development would “exacerbate existing problems” and “isolate” the community.

Steve Skuse, land and partnerships director at Catalyst, and David Wakeford, senior property development manager at TfL, acknowledged the concerns put forward but said the development would help alleviate the housing crisis in London.

This was a view shared by Harrow Council’s planning officers, who recommended the committee approve the scheme on the basis that the benefits to the borough would outweigh any potential harm.

However, Conservative councillors Marilyn Ashton, Christopher Baxter and Anjana Patel, as well as Cllr Brown voted against the proposals, representing a majority verdict.

Cllr Keith Ferry voted in favour of the scheme, while committee chairman Cllr Ghazanfar Ali and Cllr Christine Robson abstained.

Similar schemes in Stanmore and Rayners Lane will be presented to the council at a later date.