Communities have told a developer they do not want Murphy's Yard "to become an industrial area like King's Cross" following its regeneration.

Folgate Estates initially planned to build multiple residential towers rising to 19 storeys, and a row of four large-floorplate industrial buildings of eight and nine storeys on the Murphy's Yard site straddling Gospel Oak and Kentish Town.

In May, the developer withdrew its application following major objections from communities in Hampstead, Highgate, Dartmouth Park, Gospel Oak and Kentish Town "to allow further consultation".

Dartmouth Park Neighbourhood Forum (DPNF) and Camden Community Makers have released a report after co-ordinating community workshops in the summer.

Neighbours met online on July 14 and in person two days later and the report detailing these meetings has been sent to Camden Council and the developer. 

A key priority raised by neighbours is the need for housing to include co-operatives and for it to be low-rise, with affordable social rents included.

"They don’t want the site to become an industrial area like King's Cross with neighbouring buildings being too close to one another," says the report.

"The high-rise block would essentially feel like a wall and increase social isolation.

"There are concerns that locals would no longer want to live here or afford to live there so the buildings would end up in the hands of absentee landlords or Airbnbs."

Other priorities around housing, transport strategies and community facilities included meaningful engagements between the developer and different groups, including those with mobility issues.

Ben Castell, of DPNF, said: "Many local people felt that the consultation that took place on the failed application was cursory, and Camden Council agreed.

"In contrast, these community-led events showed the energy and imagination that can be harnessed to help ensure that the Murphy's Yard development is as good as it can possibly be. 

"By this we mean a development that is ahead of the curve on addressing the climate emergency, is an attractive home for a wide range of people and provides a fitting legacy for Murphy.

"It's just a first step, but the ideas contributed should give the designers an excellent starting point as they reconsider."

A spokesperson for Folgate Estates said: “We have only recently received the report, but we can see some interesting ideas which the report identifies and which the team will consider as part of a scheme review.”