Swain’s Lane shopping parade: Earl of Listowel’s controversial redevelopment approved

Plans for a controversial development of Swain’s Lane shopping parade in Highgate have won go ahead after 12 years.

Camden Council’s development control committee last night approved plans for a three-storey block of flats and shops to replace the existing parade.

The Earl of Listowel, who owns the parade, has tried for more than a decade to redevelop the block but each proposal has been fiercely opposed by community campaigners.

Current plans are for two red-brick buildings containing eight shops and 12 flats.

Nearly 160 objections to the plans were sent to Camden Council, with reasons for opposition including the height and bulk, “clumsy” architectural design, the impact on traffic, loss of parking, and the failure to guarantee protection of the parade’s current traders.

A spokesperson for the Earl of Listowel, the landowner and applicant said: “I welcome the decision of Camden’s planning committee this evening to approve my application for the redevelopment of Swain’s Lane.

“I am pleased that members of the committee recognised the substantial engagement with the local community which undoubtedly resulted in an improved scheme being put forward for consideration.

“Our work with the community will now continue, starting with the establishment of a local forum to help shape the retail offer on Swain’s Lane and ensure we effectively manage the construction process.

“My experience of securing this positive decision is a lesson in how meaningful collaboration can deliver the best outcome. “I would like to thank the community and stakeholder groups of Swain’s Lane for their contributions to date.

“In the coming months we will work with those who still harbour concerns and I very much hope in due course these detractors can be persuaded of the merits of this important scheme.”