You can choose one of the two letter templates below to write to Camden Councillors and Camden Council to register your disagreement with the planning proposals.
1. Write to Local Councillors
Please address your emails to the leader of the Council richard.olszewski@camden.gov.uk
People to be copied in:
Cabinet Member for New Homes and Community Investment, Nasrine.Djemai@camden.gov.uk (also ward member for Haverstock)
Please copy in the following councillors depending on where you live:
Ward members for Haverstock:
Councillor Kemi Atolagbe Kemi.Atolagbe@camden.gov.uk (also chair of the Housing Scrutiny Committee)
Councillor Rebecca Filer Rebecca.Filer@camden.gov.uk
Ward members for Gospel Oak:
Councillor Jenny Mulholland jenny.mulholland@camden.gov.uk
Councillor Marcus Boyland Marcus.Boyland@camden.gov.uk
Councillor Larraine Revah larraine.revah@camden.gov.uk
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Dear [insert name of councillor / officer],
Subject: Objection to the proposed Bacton Low Rise development
I am writing to express my strong objection to the proposed construction of three high-rise tower blocks on the Bacton Low Rise site. While I support the building of council housing, I am very concerned about the negative impacts this high-density development will have on our community cohesion, health, local infrastructure and services, the environment and our culture and heritage.
In 2012, Camden Council worked with residents on the design for the regeneration of Bacton Low Rise and gained planning permission for 290 new homes. Bacton phase 1, also known as Cherry Court, won awards and was praised for its sensitivity to the surrounding environment and architectural context and for reflecting the needs of residents.
The current proposal by Mount Anvil is twice as high and dense than the recommendations of Camden’s own planners. Of the 447-460 homes proposed, only 114 will be affordable housing. This means 75% are for private sale and will tower over the low-rise council homes. Many residents would not be able to afford to buy the private homes.
This development does not reflect the needs and wishes of the local community, expressed as recently as 2022 in the Gospel Oak and Haverstock Community Vision.
My main concerns with the current proposal are:
- Community cohesion: The new development segregates council tenants from private leaseholders, which is not conducive to creating a sense of cohesion and belonging.
- Health: The towers will reduce sunlight in homes and outdoor spaces, depriving people of vitamin D, which is vital to bone health and mental health and will disproportionately affect ethnic minorities.
- Infrastructure: There are no provisions in the proposal as to how our roads, public transport and water, sewage and electricity systems will accommodate a larger population.
- Services: There is no expanded provision in our GP surgeries, schools, nurseries and other public services to serve 1,000 more people.
- Environment: This development will worsen our air quality, green spaces and carbon footprint.
- Culture and heritage: The protected views of the London city skyline from Parliament Hill and the Grade II listed St Martin’s Church will be impacted. Camden has a history of award-winning, low-rise social housing design; this history must be protected.
I ask that Camden Council uphold the promises made to local residents as recently as 2022 and urge Camden to return to the proposals from 2012 that offer a better mix of homes to meet the needs of my community.
Please know that I am fully in favour of more council housing being built in the neighbourhood. However, I deeply oppose the model chosen by Camden Council for this development, which requires a large number of private homes to provide developer profit.
I believe we can find a way forward that genuinely involves the community surrounding the Bacton site regeneration.
I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
[insert your name and address]
2. Write to Camden Council
Dear Camden Council,
Subject: Objection to the proposed Bacton Low Rise development
I am writing to formally object to the proposed development of new tower blocks on the Bacton site. While I appreciate the need for council housing development, I am deeply concerned about the significant negative impact this development will have on my community, particularly in relation to the strain it would place on existing amenities and services.
First and foremost, the proposed development would exacerbate the already stretched capacity of essential local services, including healthcare, education, and public transportation. Our community already experiences delays in doctor appointments, overcrowded schools, and limited bus services. The addition of 1,000 residents would undoubtedly place further pressure on these services, potentially leading to long-term consequences for the wellbeing of the existing population.
In addition, the area’s infrastructure, such as roads and parking spaces, is not designed to accommodate such a significant increase in residents. With limited public parking and an increase in traffic, the development could lead to further congestion, pollution, and safety concerns. The strain on local roads would also result in longer commute times, which would affect not only the new residents but the wider community as well.
Furthermore, the aesthetic and environmental impacts of such high-rise developments on our neighbourhood should not be overlooked. The towering structures could overshadow existing homes, significantly reducing natural light and altering the character of the area. I fear the loss of green spaces and the destruction of local heritage, as well as the potential for increased noise and disturbance in an area that is currently peaceful and residential.
I urge the council to reconsider the approval of these developments and return to the proposals from 2012 that offer a better mix of homes to meet the needs of my community. It is essential that we ensure the sustainable growth of our community and address the needs of both current and future residents without compromising our local environment and wellbeing.
I ask that you consider the concerns above and welcome the opportunity to discuss this matter further.
I look forward to your reply.
Yours sincerely,
[insert your name and address]
Bacton Towers Action 