• CAMDEN Council sent all the residents of West Kentish Town Estate a letter on June 21 saying all parking spaces on the estate must be cleared by July 28.

With one month’s notice, residents had to move their cars on to Camden’s already over-crowded street parking and pay nearly twice the price.

The reason given was that the basketball court in the centre of the estate was going to have a new tower block built on it, right by an existing empty tower block. This is part of Camden’s plan to demolish and rebuild the estate.

Car parks around the estate had to be emptied, as they were possible replacement basketball courts, or were going to be used for contractor’s offices and machinery.

These car parks are close to the blocks of flats. So if this goes ahead people living in them will be disturbed by the noise of children and young adults playing, as well as talking, and loud music until late at night; to say nothing of the noise from contractor’s vehicles.

Yet according to Camden’s planned schedule, work will only start in 2026 and some blocks will not be demolished until 2041. Edington block car park will be empty for 18 years!

There had been no consultation of residents. When the estate TRA complained about this, we were told “We will be sharing the demolition management plan with residents and wider neighbours once it is ready.”

We would have expected Camden to prepare a draft plan first, then get residents’ views, then adapt the plan in line with residents’ comments and objections. And only then start to implement it.

In short, the council have started work before they know what they are doing, does not have planning permission, and has not consulted with the residents.

KEIRAN PROFFER
West Kentish Town Estate Tenants’ & Residents’ Association