Asda’s “transformational” Park Royal London superstore and housing project has encountered opposition, after the Metropolitan Police threatened to block the development over a funding demand.

The supermarket giant first unveiled plans for a “transformational” mixed-use redevelopment of its ten-acre Park Royal site in North West London last May.

The retailer has partnered with property developer Barratt London to create a new town centre for the local community, which was to feature a new 60,000sq ft superstore, 400 customer parking spaces and 1,600 new homes, 500 of which were to be affordable.

It was predicted that the proposed redevelopment of the Brownfield site, which is currently home to Asda’s Park Royal Superstore, would increase the local population by 4,000 residents.

However, Asda has been met by resistance from the Metropolitan Police, who have said the development would place “unacceptable pressure” on officers and resources, reported The Telegraph.

It is understood that the police are demanding an extra £310,000 in contributions to accommodate the expected surge in population at the site, and ensure the safety of the local community.

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In a letter written to planning authority Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC), the police said the size of the new development would “seriously undermine” its current capacity to provide adequate policing.

“Without the necessary contribution the development will be unacceptable in planning terms and permission should not be granted,” said Jonathan Boulton, head of estate and strategy and engagement for the Metropolitan Police Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime.

“The lack of capacity in existing infrastructure to accommodate the population growth and associated demands occasioned by the development means that it is necessary for the developer of the site to provide a contribution so the situation might be remedied.

He added: “Without the necessary contribution to meet police needs there is a formal objection to the development on sustainability grounds and because the development is unacceptable without the necessary contribution.”

In the letter Boulton also said that the police had “been successful elsewhere in London in securing financial contributions” from developers to support policing.

The OPDC pre-planning report also highlighted concerns over availability of local childcare facilities, with fears these could be put under pressure with the expected rise in population.

The news follows Asda last May saying its project at the Park Royal site marked a “significant milestone for the business”, as it aims to “maximise the full potential of our property portfolio for the first time”.

Speaking at the time, Asda head of mixed use developments Ian Lawrence said: “This allows us the opportunity to better serve local communities like Park Royal, with a new flagship store fit for the future, whilst creating windfall sites for housing delivery.

“We are also unlocking further opportunities to release value from our extensive property portfolio, which can be reinvested back into the business to fund other initiatives and support our long-term growth ambition to become the UK’s second largest supermarket chain.”