The controversial 24-storey tower plans are being changed – have your say
Thursday, 27th September 2018
How the 24-storey tower in Swiss Cottage could look
• THE 100 Avenue Road developers Essential Living are now reapplying to amend the original planning application to remove two fire exits from their controversial 24-storey development to make way for more retail space and to “improve landscaping” with a water feature.
It would appear that the previous application was withdrawn last year at the last minute because of the public outcry that such a deleterious proposal could be made in the light of the Grenfell Tower fire disaster.
In this regard the new plans appear to be the same as previously submitted and are still unacceptable for the same reasons.
In addition the developers propose to reduce the size of the basement – which would conveniently allow more room for their construction lorries to access their site and turn around along the open space route proposed in their current construction management plan.
This has resulted in the complete removal of the affordable bin store and a reduction of space for the PRS bin store with some bins being virtually inaccessible.
While we have real concerns about the way these changes will affect waste management in this massive development, encouraging fly-tipping and reducing recycling rates, we are even more troubled about the implications for social justice.
We have always been critical of the way this development separates those in the private rental section from those in these called affordable units and offers the latter poorer facilities (“poor doors”).
This removal of the bin store for residents of the affordable units is yet another new example of discrimination against those living there. In addition all the corridors in the development have been made narrower to make the units bigger.
Once again this would seem to be a retrograde step, particularly in an emergency or for wheelchair or buggy users. London Fire Brigade do not appear to have commented on the safety of this measure particular in the 24-storey tower.
The new drawings show that the size of The Winch community space has also been reduced. We hope that The Winch trustees have been fully consulted about these changes.
Send your comments by October 8 to: jonathan.mcclue@camden.gov.uk and copy planning@camden.gov.uk – subject heading: 2018/ 4239/P 100 Avenue Road.
JANINE SACHS
Chair, Save Swiss Cottage
