SECRET council plans are being hatched to change the face of Kentish Town Road, the New Journal can reveal.

The huge redevelopment programme would transform the parade of shops and flats running from Kentish Town Tube station to the corner of Islip Street.

It would mean moving Kentish Town library and bring disruption for shops in the area.

The New Journal has learned that work has been going on behind the scenes by councillors to sound out support among tenants and civic groups for the project.

While architects’ plans have yet to be drawn up, it is believed the scheme would see extra storeys added to a new parade with land behind the Tube station used for new housing, which would be a mix of private and social homes. 

But long-term independent Kentish Town shopkeepers say they have not heard of any plans – and fear for their livelihoods if the scheme goes ahead.

Harry Dasht, who runs Harry’s Butchers, said the council would do better spending cash on renovating existing properties, and adding another floor to the parade. He said: “I am 100 per cent against the idea. The block is not in such a poor condition that it needs to be razed to the ground. Think of the disruption to our businesses and Kentish Town Road. It would be cheaper, and more sensible to renovate what is here already.

“My business and others along here are well established. It would take at least two years to do and would ruin the place. It needs some cash spent on it but essentially the construction is solid and if they really need extra space, why not just stick an extra storey on the roof? 

“A facelift, perhaps – but knocking it down? That is unthinkable.”

Paula Howlitt, who has run Jaynes Florists for 10 years, said: “We have had no contact with Camden over this – but it would be massively disruptive to our businesses if it went ahead.

“The road round the back is well used by shoppers for parking so it is very important for the street.”

Kentish Town Neighbourhood Forum secretary John Nicholson said it could not support the scheme as it was suggested. He said: “We are concerned that the building period could seriously affect shops below. Even if it is for six or nine months, it would put them out of business.”

He added that a possible move for the library to a first floor was unacceptable. “The library might need sprucing up but moving it from the ground floor would be a disaster and against the spirit of supporting access to our libraries,” he said.

He added: “We do not want to see a scheme where valuable retail, public space and public housing is lost and replaced with high-value properties.”

After learning of the plans, the New Journal contacted housing chief Councillor Julian Fulbrook, who did not rule out a change. He insisted: “This is blue-sky thinking. Nothing has been confirmed yet, but there are problems with the blocks. For example, the windows are completely rotten and need replacing. There are serious repair problems there.” Cllr Fulbrook added: “There is a road at the back which is like the bridge in Alaska that simply goes nowhere. It is a broad, wide thoroughfare that isn’t being used for anything except anti-social behaviour.”

He and other councillors have toured the flats and spoken to people living there.

Cllr Fulbrook said: “The flats are from the vintage where things were not done well. The people we spoke to are keen to have work done. A complete redesign seems to be a good idea. 

“The library could be used much better. It is isn’t wheelchair friendly and has lots of unused space. 

“The same goes for upstairs: there are only eight units of housing there and there is space for more, including social housing.”