Kentish Town City Farm

• THE proposed Murphy’s Yard development would affect people living in the north of the West Kentish Town and Gospel Oak Neighbourhood Forum area, particularly those in Meru Close and Hemmingway Close.

Their homes would be dwarfed by the new high-rise development hard up against the North London Line. People living in Kiln Place, Oak Village and Cressfield Close would also have high buildings looming over them.

Although some long-distance views are provided by the developer, unsurprisingly there are none from the worst affected areas as these would show how overbearing the new buildings will appear if the Murphy scheme gets the go-ahead.

The tranquillity and seclusion of Kentish Town City Farm would be hit by the proximity of three very large towers.

The planning application documents ask for consent for towers ranging from 90 to 113 metres tall. That’s over 300ft. How the farm functions will be affected, but this hasn’t yet been considered by the planners.

The farm provides a green oasis. It’s been a refuge for generations of local people and would be spoilt for ever by the new development.

Once again, there are no views from within the farm so we have asked the case officer to get some from the developer.

Traffic conditions on Mansfield Road and Gordon House Road are already bad, the pavements are narrow, crowded, and there are no cycle paths.

More vehicle movements on these roads generated by the new households planned at the Murphy site is a serious concern for safety.

Affordable, well-sized homes for families are needed. Whether the developer is interested in providing them is another question. Arranging them right next to a busy railway seems wrong.

If homes are going to be built on the Murphy site, which is awkward in many ways, their siting and design should be far more carefully considered.

WEST KENTISH TOWN & GOSPEL OAK NEIGHBOURHOOD FORUM
wktneighbourhoodforum@gmail.com