FEARS over the effects a planned 18-storey complex near to the Casualty Plus site along the M4 in Brentford would have on surrounding properties were raised this week by councillors from the Brentford area.

Developers Berkeley Homes are seeking permission to build around 1,200 apartments in a series of buildings that rise to 18-storeys along with an educational facility on the site of the old Paragon/Pilot works' site on Boston Manor Road.

However, at a preliminary planning meeting held on Thursday by councillors from the Isleworth and Brentford area committee, a number of fears were expressed about the possible impact of the scheme.

Endorsing many of the criticisms made about the scheme by concerned residents, the councillors said the application was too dense and too high, commenting that it was "of an inner-city scale in a suburban area".

The scheme, which would include the construction of a medical teaching facility, almost 1,000 student bedrooms and 232 affordable housing units, would tower above the adjacent school, and the surrounding roads of two storey terraced houses on Windmill Road and Boston Manor Road.

At the meeting, councillors said that they were still to see a light and shadow assessment, though residents groups have said they believe the light reaching their homes could be severely affected.

There were also continuing worries over the amount of parking at the scheme - currently set at 100 spaces, which locals fear could produce severe congestion on the surrounding roads.

Other worries included issues about air quality, whether the run off of the building would be directed through the current drainage system, and whether there are enough local amenities to sustain the development.