Camden Council has approved guidance for land in Regis Road, setting out how the area will develop in the coming years.
It sets out a vision for “a vibrant, mixed-use neighbourhood that will benefit generations to come”.
Within the plans, which are tied to the Kentish Town Planning Framework, is a more connected neighbourhood linking Kentish Town, Gospel Oak and Dartmouth Park.
The document will serve “as a key consideration” in the council’s evaluation of any future planning applications, building and improvements in the area, the local authority said.
The large industrial landscape is complicated by the patchwork of developers who own the land.
The council sold land around the Regis Road Recycling Centre to developer Yoo Capital which plans to create a Camden Film Quarter within the site.
Last Year Yoo Capital set out its £1bn masterplan to provide state-of-the-art film and television studios, education facilities and housing alongside public green spaces, cycle and pedestrian pathways and wider infrastructure.
The developer has since acquired more land, including the Asphaltic and Kentish Town Industrial Estate sites, but it has not yet submitted a planning application.
Joseph Homes, another developer, owns the former Fairfax Meadow and Royal Mail parts of the Regis Road site.
The council carried out a consultation in November and December which showed some support for pedestrian routes and connections but “a large number” of concerns about building heights and density, a call for for height limits, the retention of the recycling centre and a heavy focus on green spaces.
Climate Emergency Camden, a coalition of local groups and residents, said that it welcomes a commitment to relocate the recycling centre and include step free access to Kentish Town West station.
However, they added: “We are disappointed that the document still allows for construction of climate-unfriendly tower blocks on the site.
“Nowhere does the document recognise that the ambitions of the Camden Film Quarter require an overly dense development on a constrained urban site, which will undermine any efforts by the council to protect the environment and tackle climate change.
“Camden Council needs to realise that it cannot have its cake and eat it.”
Alice Brown, member of the Green Party and CEC, said she was concerned about the council’s decision to demolish the recycling centre because of the unnecessary carbon emissions that will result from rebuilding depot facilities elsewhere and the impact on council services, including housing repairs and street cleaning.
“There doesn’t appear to be another site in Camden that can house these services,” she said.
“The result for Camden residents is likely to be a worse street cleaning service.”
Cllr Adam Harrison, lead member for planning and a sustainable Camden, said: “The adoption of the Regis Road Area Guidance is a big step for Kentish Town. It will help to deliver much-needed affordable housing, bring job opportunities to the doorsteps of our residents, and enhance local infrastructure and community spaces.
“This isn’t just about buildings; it’s about building a better future for our community by ensuring that the area remains a sustainable, well-connected, and vibrant place to live and work.
“The public consultation was vital in creating this guidance, and it will now be used to shape the future of Regis Road.”
