KENTISH town residents have expressed anger at the monstrous redevelopment and cloure of a highway in Dalby Street, set to be approved tonight. Campaigners are against both stages of the council s plans. The first involves the demolition of 52 Prince o

KENTISH town residents have expressed anger at the "monstrous" redevelopment and cloure of a highway in Dalby Street, set to be approved tonight.

Campaigners are against both stages of the council's plans.

The first involves the demolition of 52 Prince of Wales Road and its proposed transformationto a seven-storey building with 55 apartments.

The second outlines the permanent closure of Dalby Street to the public.

Camden's Council's executive environment sub-group will meet tonight to make its final decision, with inspector Colin Tyrrell recommending approval.

"The disadvantages likely to arise do not outweigh the advantages," he states in his report.

Opponents fear the loss of the public thoroughfare will lead to poor access to the nearby Talacre Sports Centre.

Celine La Freniere, co-ordinator of the Talacre Gardens Neighbourhood Watch, said: "This project is ill-thought out. It already causes a great deal of anxiety locally and will prevent the sports centre's long-term prospects. In our view, Camden planners and engineers have let down local residents in promoting this scheme. They have neglected their duty to protect the public."

A group of local councillors, including Matt Sanders and Ralph Scott, added: "We very much hope that councillors on this committee will see that the access proposal is unpopular, unworkable and potentially hazardous.

"The inappropriate access arrangement and the failure to offer the promised affordable housing are just the latest flaws in a proposal that has caused huge controversy from the start.