OSCAR-nominated actress Imelda Staunton has urged the Town Hall to reject proposals to bulldoze its former offices in the heart of West Hampstead to make way for a new housing complex.

Ms Staunton, who is currently winning rave reviews for her lead role in the hit West End musical Gypsy, has joined hundreds of residents in objecting to plans to build towers containing 164 homes at 156 West End Lane.

In a hand-written letter to council planners, the Vera Drake star said the designs are “out of character” with the village-like feel of the area and that the narrow pavements will struggle with the increase in footfall. 

Ms Staunton said: “These blocks are completely out of character with West Hampstead and the village feel of the area. The increase in the number of people travelling to the tube will be staggering and inappropriate on our narrow pavements. Where is the green space?”

Imelda Staunton has sent a hand-written objection to the Town Hall

Ms Staunton and her husband, the Downton Abbey actor Jim Carter, live 200 metres from the old council offices.

Mr Carter has previously lent his support to the “Stop the Blocks” campaign run by group Save West Hampstead. In his own letter of objection, he said: “These blocks are far too big and will block the views from the conservation area. They will steal light from Lymington Road, alter the view from Crediton Hill and completely overshadow the present children’s play area, making it feel very oppressive.”

Contracts were exchanged for 156 West End Lane in November but completion of the sale to developers is still subject to planning permission being granted.

Funds from the sell-off will go towards paying for the council’s new offices at 5 Pancras Square, as well as funding the scheme’s affordable housing element comprising 23 per cent affordable rent (80 per cent of market rates) and 24 per cent shared ownership.

Danny Lynch, A2Dominion Development Director, said: “Our plans for 156 West End Lane aim to transform the site to provide much-needed new homes, shops and services for West Hampstead.

“We have consulted extensively with local residents and their feedback has been vital in helping us shape the designs for the development.”

Camden Council’s finance chief Councillor Theo Blackwell said: “The plan is to get a site with a really large amount of affordable housing which will help people on our waiting list.  All of these matters will be debated when the application comes to committee.”