Controversial plans to build more than 400 flats, a car park and a 3,250sq ft supermarket on the site of a former refuse depot have been approved.

Proposals to redevelop the former Hornsey Depot recycling site in High Road, Hornsey, were approved by Haringey’s planning committee on Monday night - despite only four members voting in favour of the scheme.

The planning application was put forward by the developer St James and Sainsbury’s, who want to build 438 flats, a supermarket and an accompanying car park on the 3,250sq ft site.

The highly contentious decision comes just two weeks after it was deferred by the council’s planning committee so residents' concerns could be addressed.

Despite this, critics have accused the developer of returning with the same planes.

People from Hornsey and councillors from the area have previously raised concerns including the height of the proposed buildings and the density of development.

Residents also complained about the limited play areas for children and the size of the Sainsbury’s store and its impact on local traders.

After the plans were approved, Hornsey resident Lesley Ramm (@HornseyN8) tweeted: “Absolutely bloody furious. Cllrs are supposed to represent constituents' views. Hornsey Cllrs dismally failed. Let down.”

Cllr Alan Strickland, the council’s cabinet member for regeneration and housing, said the new supermarket will create more than 120 jobs and make the area more prosperous.

He said: “Transforming Hornsey Depot is central to our long-term vision of a flourishing high street with successful local businesses and a thriving community.

“Not only will this exciting development transform the appearance of Hornsey High Street – it will provide an anchor to unlock vital new investment and visitors to the area.

“We’ve worked closely with partners to secure much-needed affordable homes and jobs for local people, and I’m excited that the first step in unlocking Hornsey’s future can now get underway.”

Liberal Democrat politicians were “outraged” by the decision and accused the Labour-run council of ignoring resident’s concerns.

Lynne Featherstone, the MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, said: “The vast majority of people want to see development on this site – but it must benefit the local area, and be approved by local people.

“The Labour-run council obviously don’t see it like this – and have instead waved through a flawed application. I am furious – and so are local residents.”

Developers St James and Sainsbury’s will pay planning contributions of more than £750,000 for new school places, jobs and training to support families moving into the new apartments, while a travel plan will be drawn up to minimise the effect of traffic using the supermarket.

Cash generated from the sale of the land last year will be ploughed back into other regeneration projects across the borough to encourage growth and support the creation of better housing and long-lasting employment for residents.