Donald Sumpter, who has appeared in films and TV series including Black Panther and Game of Thrones, and his wife, Alexander technique teacher Antonia Brown, attended a meeting held by residents groups to discuss the regeneration of the Bacton Low-Rise Estate in Gospel Oak last month.
Developer Mount Anvil, which is developing the site on behalf of Camden Council, plans to almost double the number homes approved in regeneration plans in 2012 from 247 to 447 – and add two towers up to 26 storeys tall.
Both Mount Anvil and Camden Council were invited to the meeting but a council spokesperson said its members “were unable to attend” and Mount Anvil pulled out at the last minute.
Mr Sumpter spoke of his frustration at lack of engagement with the council.
The couple said in a statement: “We would like to express our sadness about the lack of real communication that is possible with Camden Council – our representatives.
“It seems that they talk the talk and go through the ritual of holding consultations but when invited to neighbourhood meetings in order to get a real sense of the communities’ needs and wishes they do not attend.”
They also took aim at the council over what has “laughingly” been called ‘the Bacton Low-Rise Estate’.
They said: “The council has abandoned original midrise plans of about 12 floors, and reasonable outside space, to opt instead for 26-floor monstrosities that will dominate and overshadow the whole community around – and of course contribute to a more crowded, unsupported quality of life, with serious lack of green outdoor space.
“It has long been established that children living in high-rise flats without access to good green spaces suffer unhappiness, leading to serious social problems.
“It would be wonderful if Camden councillors could be more questioning of their agenda in the interest of the human lives, which their decisions will affect.
“The Bacton towers would be a blight on the landscape, spoiling the quality of life for the present community and condemning future generations.”
A Camden Council spokesperson said: “We place great value on our ongoing engagement with the community in Gospel Oak as we work with Mount Anvil to develop these plans.
“Listening to local residents is essential to the ongoing design process and Mount Anvil will be hosting further public consultation events ahead of their planning application being submitted.
“The new development will be assessed against local planning policies to ensure that proposals are compliant and appropriate for the local area. Elements such as height and daylight impact on existing properties will be assessed as part of this process.”
