Homes-and-shops plan comes under fire - Objectors say Highgate Newtown scheme is "unnecessary and poorly thought out"

Published: 24 February 2011
by DAN CARRIER

ONE of the biggest council-managed homes developments for a generation is facing stiff opposition as the Town Hall’s planning committee considers tonight (Thursday) whether the multi-million pound project should go ahead.

The development in Highgate Newtown would see a 1970s block of flats and shops demolished and replaced. 

Objectors protest that the scheme is unnecessary, poorly thought out, will be too bulky and will ruin a civic centre that provides a focal point for the area.

Under the project, designed by Camden Town-based architects Rick Mathers, 53 homes would be built, with 26 sold privately to help finance the development. A new shopping parade would include two larger units and a dentist’s surgery. 

Dartmouth Park Conservation Area Advisory Committee chairman Patrick Lefevre said: “It not only fails to enhance the conservation area and the setting of the grade-II library, when considered against what exists it is massively detrimental. It fails to maintain a viable neighbourhood centre.”

There have been allegations that the designs have been rushed through to gain central government funding. 

Green Party councillor Maya De Souza said: “There has been a very limited attempt to involve residents in deciding what they would like on-site and on choosing architects and design. 

“I would have liked greater effort put into restoring the original building, minimising disturbance and turning this site into a better social hub. 

“This leaves us in the unfortunate position where a development that should have been an exciting and welcome change for the area is opposed by a wide range of residents’ groups.”

The council has also received letters of support for the plan, one calling the existing building an “eyesore”.