|
|
 |
| |
Twyman House, the social housing block that was proposed for Regent’s Canal off Camden Road |
‘Class ghetto’ double development blocked
Primrose Hill and Regent’s Canal plans thrown out
A CONTROVERSIAL scheme to build two new blocks of homes – one in Primrose Hill and another Camden Town – has been thrown out by planning chiefs.
The project would have seen an eight-storey luxury development in St Edmund’s Terrace with underground car park and a private gym built overlooking Primrose Hill.
And to fulfil planning laws, which require schemes over a certain size to provide social housing, a 72-home block was also earmarked for the site of empty offices next to Regent’s Canal in Camden Road.
But the proposals attracted fierce criticism and on Monday Camden Council’s planning officers told the developers, Camden Regeneration Limited, that the plans were unacceptable and refused building permission. Objectors said the Primrose Hill scheme would wreck views from the park while the Camden Town building was a “carbuncle”.
Architect Peter Clapp, who campaigned against the schemes, said he was “absolutely delighted”, adding: “The Camden Town block bordered three conservation areas and would have been far too large.”
Primrose Hill Conservative councillor Andrew Marshall, who had helped muster opposition to the St Edmund’s Terrace plan, said: “I am delighted as it was far too bulky. It would have had a detrimental effect on Primrose Hill.”
Cllr Marshall said the idea to build luxury homes in one area and shoehorn the social housing elsewhere was flawed.
He added: “Making sure there is a mix of different housing is so important and is council policy.”
Primrose Hill Conservation Area Advisory Committee chairman Richard Simpson added: “The St Edmund’s Terrace scheme was fundamentally misconceived, proposing a class ghetto looming over a family park.”
Anna Snow, of Turley Associates, who are acting as agents for the developers, said they would not comment until they had considered the Town Hall’s reasons for throwing the scheme out. |
 |
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
