Highgate Newtown "eyesore" to be replaced with "bulky" design

A 1970s block of flats on  Chester Road is to be demolished after planning permission was given for a new development of council-managed homes. Residents' groups including the Highgate

Society, the Dartmouth Park Conservation Area Advisory Committee and Whittington Estate

Residents’ Association had complained about the "bulky" new design, but plans for the redevelopment were approved earlier this month.

Highgate ward councillors Valerie Leach and Michael Nicolaides both spoke in opposition to the planning application, which also considered representations from local groups about the design of the new development and the reduction in the number of shops at the site.

Members of the planning committee accepted that proposals for the estate had been consulted on for a number of years. They also congratulated the architect on the use of Passivhaus principles in the design of the buildings, which means that the homes can be heated and cooled sustainably and with minimal environmental impact.

Not all local people were averse to the idea of redevloping the estate, with some calling the 1970s block an "eyesore". Others called the new scheme "bulky" and poorly thought-out.

Hopes that the existing block of flats could be refurbished were dashed by asbestos panelling used in the construction. The new development will include 23 council-let homes and 26 flats for private sale, together with a small shopping parade and dentists' surgery.

Developers and council planners hope that the new block will become a focal point for the community, with retail units let to let local businesses rather than major national retailers.

Image: satguru