The design of Hylda Court makes it an Art Deco classic

• I WRITE in solidarity with residents of Hylda Court and St Alban’s Road who are concerned about the planning application to build additional flats on top of the Art Deco building, as well as townhouses at the back.

As ward councillor, I have submitted my objection to the proposed development as I believe
it is strongly out of keeping with the character of both Hylda Court and the surrounding neighbourhood, which sits within the Dartmouth Park Conservation Area, (Heritage group fights plans for Art Deco block, October 24).

I worry that the construction of the penthouse flats will create noise, dust, and debris for the 32 flats within Hylda Court, while the construction of the townhouses would be so close to the existing flats and boundary walls that they would reduce the privacy of and light that enters the lower ground flats and the houses next door to the site.

It must also be considered that the site backs onto La Sainte Union Catholic School. I am very worried about the disruption that the development would have on pupils attending this school, both in terms of the polluting effect it would have on the air that they breathe and in terms of the noise disruption to their studies.

I also have concerns about the structural integrity of Hylda Court and its ability to withstand this proposed construction.

There are a number of cracks in the building already and several of the properties suffer with mould and damp, which can also be seen in the communal corridors. Existing issues with the building’s structure must be addressed before any planning application is approved.

Furthermore, the additional dwellings will bring no community benefit to the broader area: they will be luxury dwellings and are not intended to be affordable homes.

There can be no justification for approving this planning application, therefore I urge Camden to reject it when they are given the opportunity to do so.

CLLR LORNA JANE RUSSELL
Green Party, Highgate ward