The developers of the Murphy Site have withdrawn their planning application after it received an unprecedented number of objections from far and wide. Wherever it was viewed from- the top of Parliament Hill, Kentish Town Road or the streets of Gospel Oak- the proposals were obviously completely unacceptable.
The proposed Murphy’s Yard development would adversely affect people living in the north of Gospel Oak, particularly those in Meru Close and Hemmingway Close. Their homes would be dwarfed by the new high-rise development hard up against the North London Line. People living in Kiln Place, Oak Village and Cressfield Close would also have high buildings looming over them. Although some long-distance views are provided by the developer, unsurprisingly there are none from the worst affected areas as these would show how overbearing the new buildings would be.
The tranquillity and seclusion of Kentish Town City Farm would be hit by the close proximity of three very large towers. The planning application documents ask for consent for towers up to 70m tall.
Traffic conditions on Mansfield Road and Gordon House Road are already bad, the pavements are narrow and crowded, and there are no cycle paths. More vehicle movements on these roads generated by the 750 new households planned at the Murphy site is a serious concern for safety.
Affordable, well-sized homes for families are needed. Whether the developer is interested in providing them is another question. Arranging them right next to a busy railway seems wrong. If homes are going to be built on the Murphy site, which is awkward in many ways, their siting and design should be far more carefully considered.
Camden planners have finally seen sense and told the developer that they will not be granting permission after all.
This is an opportunity to reimagine the site for community-led housing and a truly sustainable development.
West Kentish Town 