Members of a dozen residents groups gathered at a lively public meeting at Queen’s Crescent Community Centre on Thursday (February 20) to raise concerns about the redevelopment of the former Bacton Low Rise estate.
Developer Mount Anvil has submitted new plans to regenerate the estate on behalf of Camden Council, almost doubling the 290 homes in designs from 2012 and adding two towers up to 26 storeys tall.
The meeting, called by Gospel Oak campaign group Bacton Tower Action, heard concerns including overshadowing from “monster blocks” that would restrict views from Hampstead Heath, as well as years of dust, noise and restricted traffic.
Joe Glasman, from Malden Road Residents, said people should be compensated for the loss of light. He added: “We have a right to light. People who come to live here will inherit that right to light.”
He warned of setting a precedent, adding: “If this goes up in its current form we will see buildings go up with similar sizes in the whole area.”
Architect Alexander Smaga, a member of the Heath & Hampstead Society, said it supports a “sustainable medium-rise development”, but the proposed towers would impact all views from Hampstead Heath and Camden, and particularly the listed view from Parliament Hill.
Nigel Wenban-Smith, of the Elaine Grove and Oak Village Association, said he wanted any blocks to be “open air and attractive rather than windswept and deeply shaded”.
He also had concerns over the number of homes, and quoted his neighbour and group member Monty Python star Sir Michael Palin, who said: “Monster blocks and consequent overcrowding does not solve and only increases social problems.”
Allan Bush, from Cherry Court Tenants & Residents Association, said the proposed high rises were “much, much bigger” than the nearby Bacton Tower and feared cranes would cause “really restricted access” for traffic.
Queen’s Crescent Neighbourhood Forum said the proposed density was “unacceptable” and against the London Plan and the Gospel Oak and Haverstock Community Vision.
BTA chair Robert Lewenstein said more than 1,400 people had signed the group’s petition opposing the plans.
He added: “It is a mistake to take this to planning as it is and hopefully they will come back with an improved plan.”
Camden Council and Mount Anvil were invited to the meeting but did not attend.
Cllr Larraine Ravah, who represents Gospel Oak, pledged to take questions raised away and come back with answers.
She added: “If a meeting does take place with Mount Anvil I wouldn’t mind supporting the group and chairing it to make sure you all get a fair chance.”
A Camden Council spokesperson said: “We are doing everything we can to tackle the housing crisis and, despite the current economic challenges, we remain committed to building desperately-needed affordable homes for our residents.
“The Bacton Estate development is a key part of this effort, aiming to provide over 100 new council-owned social rent homes, 10 intermediate affordable homes, and high-quality, energy-efficient housing.”
Mount Anvil was contacted for comment.
