How the new towers would look

A DEVELOPER hoping to build four tower blocks in Chalk Farm has been accused of using “sneaky” tactics to make it appear the scheme has widespread support.

Property group Regal has applied for permission to demolish the former offices of One Housing in Chalk Farm Road and replace it with four round towers up to 12 storeys high. The homes will be used for students with a separate block designated for affordable housing.

But campaigners against the scheme say the scheme will radically alter Chalk Farm.

On Camden’s planning website, a series of letters responding to the developers consultation survey appear with an identical opening sentence expressing support. A closer look at the letters show that many of them are actually messages of opposition.

Andrew Mason, who lives opposite and is representing leaseholders in the Chalk House block opposite, said: “Adverts posted by Regal on social media had a series of leading titles.

They said things, like  ‘Support improved public realm at the Roundhouse’ or ‘Support new, high-quality affordable homes on Chalk Farm Road.’

“These ads then lead you to a website which contains a survey asking why you support the plans. This survey then sends your response to Camden’s planning department as a letter of support, no matter what you write, even when it’s very obviously negative. That shows a real disregard for the process and the people whose lives this project will affect significantly.”

Developers Regal updated their application in May, but residents say the changes are minor at best and ignore every important point raised.

Mr Mason added: “They have made one of the blocks taller and wider to squeeze in more flats. They did some work on the facade and materials, but the real problems – the overcrowding of the site and the excessive height – are still there.”

Regal’s planning director Steve Harrington told the New Journal that the system that sent consultation responses to Camden automatically as letters of support was an error that had been fixed.

He added: “We felt having an online survey would generate more interest. We did see a big response from people objecting, but were registered at first as being supporters. We held our hands up and put a stop to it when we realised.”

Mr Harrington said the project had gone through numerous consultations including public meetings, and conversations would continue as the scheme heads to Camden’s planning committee.

He added the height of 12 storeys had been designed to ensure the scheme was economically viable.

Mr Harrington added: “We decided on student homes as there is a huge shortage across London. The council agreed this was a good site. It is close to Camden Town’s many venues, and that would make it less suitable for family homes. Students will be good for Chalk Farm. They contribute to the area’s economy and release pressure locally on houses of multiple occupation.”

He defended the unique design of the cylinder blocks, adding: “It has allowed us to set the design back from the street. Student housing has allowed us to be a little freer with the brief. We have had a lot of discussion with Camden about what Chalk Farm needs – and we feel it needs a boost. This gives us an opportunity to improve the public realm, provide affordable housing.”