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Neighbours protesting at plans for a block of flats they say wil block sunlightin their homes
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Flats ‘mean the end of sunsets’
Wealthy businessman’s plans for block will kill our back gardens, neighbours protest
A successful self-made businessman’s plans for a block of flats at the end of a Victorian terrace in Kentish Town will block sunlight from nearby homes, neighbours have protested.
Soterias Aspris has been given permission to build three flats in Falkland Road, where his family owns a corner shop.
His company, Troodos Wines, imports alcohol from Cyprus and a wholesale business, S Aspris, supplies hundreds of bars, clubs and restaurants.
Planning approval for the three-storey block has brought fierce criticism from neighbours.
Resident David Price, whose back garden overlooks the flats block site, said the new building would cast a permanent shadow over a number of homes.
He added: “For so many households, this means the end of sunsets.
“The building is far too big for the site and will kill our back gardens by robbing us of valuable sunlight.
“There is no way this should have been passed.”
Mr Price said the decision demonstrated how planning laws favour developers.
He added: “Applicants are guaranteed the right of appeal.
“Surely citizens deserve the same right?”
A preservation order has been placed on an oak tree, but neighbours fear building work will damage roots, causing the tree to die.
Mr Aspris founded
the Chalk Farm-based Aspris wholesale drinks company.
The application marks the fourth time the family has attempted to build homes on the land, where a storage shed is sited.
The latest designs, scaled down from previous planning bids, are for one two-bed home and two one-bed flats.
Architect George Athanasi, who works for the family, defended the plans. He said: “There were a number of designs put in before this one which were truly horrendous.
“We spoke at length with the council before we put in an application to make sure what we were doing was acceptable. We have done all we can to limit the effect on neighbours.”
As part of the planning deal, the developer is to spend £4,250 on pavements outside the block.
The development has been designated “car-free”, which means there will be no residents’ parking permits.
Mr Athanasi added that a tree surgeon would ensure the oak tree was not affected by building work. |
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