Durston block, which is due to be demolished in early 2031 and rebuilt by 2036

RESIDENTS say they feel fobbed off by the council after being pressured to accept a “cut-price” redevelopment of the estate in place of the “beautiful designs” they voted to support.

People living on the West Kentish Town Estate (WKTE) voted “yes” to a regeneration scheme in 2020, which would see the estate demolished and replaced with new buildings, including hundreds of private homes intended to help fund the project.

The council had worked with residents to draw up a “residents’ brief” that would guide the new development and the scheme was floated as a chance for residents, who have long suffered damp and overcrowding, to move into modern, environmentally-friendly flats.

Jill Fraser, member of the Tenants and Residents Association (TRA) and a former Lib Dem mayor of Camden, said residents had requested “relatively” low-rise buildings, as well as external balconies and well-ventilated shared spaces.

Andrew Dow and Jill Fraser are not impressed

PRP Architects then drew up the original designs and according to the TRA, residents voted “yes” on the basis of these concept plans.

But Ms Fraser said people are now feeling as though they have been misled after a change of plan. PRP Architects have since been replaced by AHMM Architects, who have drawn up a new masterplan for the estate, and objectors say it looks very different to the plans they originally agreed to.

“We went into the consultation wholeheartedly and genuinely. Everybody was excited and pleased, but there is nothing that we asked for then that we’re getting,” Ms Fraser said. “We were sold a beautiful design. We are now being sold a cut-price design.”

TRA member Andrew Dow added: “Now they want to put a new 14-storey tower block on the only sports facility on the estate.”
The council says the original designs included three tall buildings.

There are also concerns council tenants will be “segregated” at the centre of the estate, while the private blocks will be given prime spots overlooking the estate’s more “lovely locations”, he said.

The TRA say they have since canvassed 189 residents across the estate, with an overwhelming majority calling for the council to “consider other options.”

Regen chief Councillor Danny Beales says residents support the council

Labour’s regeneration chief Councillor Danny Beales said: “From day one we have been upfront with residents that we would only move forward with a scheme if they backed it.

“Whilst some opposed the decision to move forward and deliver new homes, an overwhelming majority, 93 per cent of those voting, supported proposals.

“Residents are still telling us time and time again that they need homes that meet modern standards for space and that are fit for purpose, they want to live on an estate that feels safe and has outdoor spaces they feel they can use, and they want to be able to move as quickly as possible.

“Building new council homes has become harder not easier, with little if any financial support from government, at the same time as massive inflation and economic uncertainty.

“We remain committed to delivering new council homes and are still finalising proposals with further engagement planned with local residents over the coming months where we will discuss options and trade-offs with different approaches.”