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 Cllr Mike Green |
Fears developer will use park to access flats site
Protesters describe plans as attempt to ‘put quart into pint pot’
PARKS chiefs have refused to rule out allowing vehicles to drive through a playground in Kentish Town to make space for a controversial new seven-storey apartment block.
A council press official said last night (Wednesday) officers had been “discussing with developers how they can access Talacre sports centre” during construction of a proposed 55 flat complex in Prince of Wales Road.
Residents have been campaigning against what they argue is a loss of open space to the scheme, planned by TRAC properties and the Community Housing Association.
Their latest fear is that the council will allow access to emergency and other vehicles through adjacent Talacre Gardens, a park and playground used by families who live around Kentish Town West station.
The press official said no formal request to access the park had been received but said discussions had to take place if Dalby Street – a cul-de-sac which runs along the proposed site to the sports centre – was to be ‘stopped up’ as planned.
He added: “Nothing has been formally agreed regarding this access. Any access would only be to ensure adequate vehicular and pedestrian access to the Sports Centre at all times throughout construction and would be temporary.”
The mixed development of flats and restaurants had already been under fire after it was approved by planners despite objections from tenants associations, businesses and nearby residents last year.
Residents have continued to protest at the redesign of Dalby Street, which they insist will eat into valuable open space.
Proposals include the construction of a new two-way access road and roundabout in what campaigner Peter Cuming describes as “an ambition to fit a quart into a pint pot”.
He said: “The plans make the space so cramped that ‘new’ Dalby Street simply doesn’t work.
“The road will bring traffic right into the area in front of the sports centre, which is heavily used by children.
“All of the land he (the developer) proposes to use is designated as open space, belonging to the public, which he is apparently being gifted. Local people are up in arms.”
Last week, Cllr Mike Greene, Camden’s environment chief, responded to the row with his own letter to the New Journal, pledging a review of ‘the issues raised in detail’.
The council press official said on Tuesday that the latest plans would not encroach on open space.
He said: “The (new) proposed scheme features a repositioned turning circle sited on land, which is currently hard surfaced, and used for parking and access in relation to the sports centre.
“As such the current proposal would not result in loss of any Talacre open space, in contrast to the previously approved scheme.”
Community Housing Association were contacted but were not available for comment at the time of going to press.
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