A decision to develop a major Shepherd's Bush site without social rented housing has sparked fears that fewer affordable homes will be built in Hammersmith and Fulham.

Greater London Authority (GLA) planners advised Hammersmith and Fulham councillors to reject planning permission for a polyclinic, housing and offices because it lacked any affordable rented flats.

But this month the GLA backed down, saying it would not use its powers to block the application for the former Janet Adegoke Leisure Centre in Bloemfontein Road.

Ealing, Acton and Shepherd's Bush MP Andy Slaughter said politics was being put above housing need. He added: "Half the borough's households have an income below £20,000. Social rented housing is the only chance they have to find decent housing.

"The council says there is no demand for social rented housing here, but it has 8,000 people on its waiting list."

A Hammersmith and Fulham Council spokeswoman said: "This area has an unusually high percentage of social housing and we are required to develop mixed and balanced communities.

"Our hope is that developing appropriate housing on that site achieves that balance."

Cabinet member for strategy councillor Mark Loveday said 24 of the 179 homes could be bought by people earning up to £20,000.

He added: "People on this estate want the opportunity to own their own homes, they do not want more social rented housing."

The GLA had objected to the council's decision in July to grant planning permission.

A spokesman said: "It was agreed that affordable housing, together with a substantial package of community benefits, including a new healthcare centre, meant that the scheme was acceptable."