A campaigner has claimed Crouch End is being treated like Canary Wharf by a developer behind plans including one tower up to 18 storeys tall.
Fifth State has revealed plans for the former Jewson Builders Merchants and historic Lotus manufacturing site in Tottenham Lane.
The birthplace of Lotus cars, which sits close to Hornsey station, will be redeveloped as a café and exhibition space with student flats built behind it.
But some have raised concerns about the height of the development, which would include four towers, describing it as “colossal”.
The developer has not publicly revealed how tall the largest building will be – but a preliminary planning application says they will range from one to 18 storeys high.
Full proposals have not yet been submitted to Haringey Council but a petition against the towers has already gathered 250 signatures.
“If you build four towers, one that is 18 storeys tall, then developers think that this can become Canary Wharf,” said opponent Aliette Fenton-Sharp, who lives in nearby Rathcoole Avenue.
“We just don’t want that kind of development in our local area.
“If they were all five-storey student flats, I would have no problem with that because it wouldn’t alter the look and feel of Crouch End.
“But the tower means lots of people in an area where the station is already a nightmare in the morning.
“I don’t want them to stop the project because we object to the height of the buildings. We just want them to change the designs to fit the profile of the neighbourhood.”
But not everyone agrees. Chris Arnold, founder of Crouch End festival, has previously told the Ham and High that he is “thrilled” with the new plans.
These include proposals to refurbish the historic Lotus workshops to provide an “accessible community café”.
An exhibit showcasing the history of the car manufacturer will also be installed in this space.
Chris, whose father, Graham Arnold, was a former Lotus executive, said: “I grew up very much in the Lotus camp, it was in our blood.
“I think a lot of people had forgotten that there was a link to Lotus in the local area at all.
“I was surprised when I discovered that Fifth State had embraced Lotus and wanted to celebrate its history.
“I think it’s fantastic for the history of the area to celebrate one of the best British racing car companies of all time.”
The buildings on the site, which is brownfield land and was most recently occupied by Jewson Builders Merchant, are currently vacant.
In total, 527 student flats would be built, and the developer says 35% of new rooms will be 'affordable'.
A spokesperson for Fifth State said: “Following community feedback earlier this year, our proposals include a Lotus-themed community café and ground floor space which charities and local groups can use for free.
“We are delivering a significant outdoor plaza, green landscaping and public realm fronting on to Tottenham Lane.
“We are working closely with Haringey Council to carefully design a scheme which optimises the site’s benefits whilst being thoughtful to its surroundings.
“We’re continuing to consult with residents and businesses, and we encourage everyone to provide us feedback.”
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