Blimp flown above Swiss Cottage to show full height of proposed tower

A bright green blimp loomed above Swiss Cottage today as planners looked to show the full scale of a residential tower proposed for the site.

Planning inspector Graham Dudley walks around the Swiss Cottage development site. Picture: Polly Hancock - Credit: Archant

Campaigners and passers-by craned their necks to take in the striking visual which coincided with a site visit as part of a planning appeal.

It was intended to show just how high the proposed 24-storey tower would be, with it visible from Hampstead Heath.

Developer Essential Living’s plans would see the existing six-storey building at 100 Avenue Road torn down and space for 184 flats provided, along with a new home for the neighbouring charity The Winch.

The proposals – opposed by some 3,000 people – were rejected by Camden Council in September on grounds that the tower was “too high” and impacted on neighbouring conservations areas.

Planning inspector Graham Dudley walks around the Swiss Cottage development site. Picture: Polly Hancock - Credit: Archant

In full view of the blimp was planning inspector Graham Dudley, who is leading an eight-day public appeal into the scheme, to be concluded on Friday.