Objections may derail £2bn plan for King’s Cross
THE planned £2billion redevelopment of King's Cross could be thrown out by Camden Council after overwhelming opposition from residents. In their formal responses submitted on Monday, King's Cross community groups said they were unhappy with
Katie Davies
THE planned £2billion redevelopment of King's Cross could be thrown out by Camden Council after overwhelming opposition from residents.
In their formal responses submitted on Monday, King's Cross community groups said they were unhappy with the revised plans from developers Argent.
Una Sapietis, chairwoman of the King's Cross Railway Lands Group, said: "The revisions, while a step in the right direction, have not gone far enough. We continue to oppose the application in its present form.
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"The development is still far too dense, that it should include more social rented housing and more larger flats for families to meet local housing need.
"It is far too energy intensive, and while we welcome the proposals for some wind turbines and solar energy, these should be more than showcases.
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"We also would like a commitment to a community trust with its own building on the site, and a share for this trust in the development profits."
A spokesman for Argent said: "Camden and Islington councils have enough information to make informed decisions. Our plans are in accordance with the adopted policies and planning brief for the site."
The King's Cross Development Forum, an umbrella organisation representing major community groups, has produced a detailed report of changes it wants to see.
In the report, 32 per cent of respondents called for more affordable housing, 48 per cent said the plans failed to address their concerns about sustainability and 33 per cent called for greater community facilities.
Angela Inglis, an artist who wrote a response on behalf of residents from eight streets in the area, agreed the plans needed work.
She said: "I want something to happen to King's Cross but I want it to be first rate so we can say, 'This is King's Cross,' and people can be proud."
A decision on the plans will be made by the council's planning committee early next year.
katie.davies@hamhigh.co.uk
