An action group representing residents in Yiewsley has welcomed plans for a £40million housing development, but also warned that it could put a strain on local infrastructure.

The Yiewsley and West Drayton Town Centre Action Group said it was pleased with developer Kitewood Estates' decision to reduce the proposed heights of the blocks of flats planned for the area enclosed by Tavistock Road and Bentinck Road, behind High Street.

But the group added that schools, GP surgeries and shops may struggle to cope with the influx of residents who would be living in the 308 flats included in designs for the Tavistock Gardens development.

Keith Saunders, the group's planning representative, said: “The only concern overall, which I think applies throughout Hillingdon, is whether this housing is essential, as many people have said.

“The infrastructure is not keeping pace with it. The schools and the doctors' surgeries aren't going to be able to cope with it, the influx.

“The impact of traffic is going to be big, too.”

However, he added: “We think it's acceptable for it to go ahead. With Crossrail coming it's going to be an advantage to the area and when Crossrail does come it is inevitable that house prices will go up as well.

“I can see benefits. The site is a disgrace at the moment, so any improvement within common sense will be acceptable.”

If granted planning permission, developer Kitewood Estates hopes to begin work at the site in late 2015 and to finish by 2017, in time for Crossrail's arrival.

The company had originally applied for permission to build only 241 flats in a smaller area, but has since bought the adjoining Tigi warehouse site, which it has incorporated into its enlarged plans.

One of the concerns raised by residents at the time of the original application was that the development would not include enough parking spaces.

The updated application includes 293, up from 180, to reflect the increase in the number of flats being proposed, which Mr Saunders said was 'just acceptable'.

Ward councillor Peter Davis said the development could help to attract new businesses to the area, adding that the council was 'very aware' of the associated infrastructure requirements.

He said: “I think in general terms this type of development should be welcomed, because the links to Yiewsley are improving, particularly with Crossrail, and the council have put quite a lot of investment into Yiewsley with infrastructure.”

He added: “Sure, we've always got to be aware of what's required and we are very aware in terms of numbers from a schooling point of view, for example, and I think that better quality retailers could be attracted to the area because of it.”

Planning officials are scheduled to make a decision on whether or not to grant planning permission by January 2015.

To view the plans, visit www.tavistockgardens.co.uk