Anger over plans for 18-storey skyscraper in Dalston town centre
Blocks include different entrances for ‘private’ and ‘affordable’ homes
Plans for an 18-storey skyscraper in the heart of Dalston have triggered an outcry from neighbours.
Developers Rothas Ltd want to build the tower next to Dalston Kingsland Station in Kingsland High Street, bulldozing the current Peacocks store and putting up two blocks rising more than 50 metres into the sky.
The scheme, opposite Ridley Road Market, includes 130 flats – with two separate entrances for “private” and “affordable” homes – as well as shop space.
A seven-storey block would contain 17 lower cost affordable flats – while the 18 storey block behind would boast 113 luxury apartments.
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Ayako Tsunekawa, who lives in nearby Bradbury Mews, said: “It will plunge our homes into darkness, destroying our natural light and permanently eclipsing the sun that warms our homes and nourishes our gardens,” she said.
“Also as residents of Dalston, we don’t see how this building can benefit our landscape and community.”
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Neighbour Sophie Darlington criticised the scheme for including 15 per cent affordable housing when Hackney’s target is 50 per cent.
Both environmental campaign group Open Dalston and heritage organisation The Hackney Society said they were meeting to discuss impact on nearby buildings this week.
The project is being promoted by Four Communications, the public affairs company which employs two Hackney councillors and is already working for developers hoping to build a controversial Sainsbury’s superstore in Stoke Newington.
A Four Communications spokesman for Rothas Ltd said the scheme was compliant with sunlight regulations and the council’s area action plan, adding sustainability was central to the designs.
“We are committed to bringing forward a scheme which celebrates the unique character of Dalston,” he said.
“Well over a thousand station users, local residents and businesses have been consulted and the feedback we have received has been largely very positive.”
Hackney Council are accepting comments on the proposals until January 30.
