Islington’s planning chief, Councillor Martin Klute

PLANS to increase the height of an estate’s towers have come under fire this week as critics say the proposals would cause “unacceptable harm” to conservation areas.

The Newlon Housing Trust, a housing provider and developer, has submitted redesigned plans that would see blocks on the Barnsbury estate, including one 21-storey tower.

The Islington Society has objected to the height and bulk of the plan saying that it would leave open space cramped.

The society’s chair, Andrew Clayton, said: “In the second most densely populated borough in the country, this new application is a step too far and will cause unacceptable additional harm to the conversation areas, the Grade II-listed Islington Tunnel entrance and the Regent’s Canal, a critical local amenity.”

Islington’s planning chief, Councillor Martin Klute, said the application was still in the early days and Newlon had “not provided enough information to justify what they’re asking for”.

Newlon said 78 per cent of residents had backed the plans that would create a new community centre, gardens and crucial housing.

A spokesperson said: “Newlon and residents of the Barnsbury estate were thrilled when we got support for redeveloping the estate from Islington Council in 2022.

“But new laws passed in wake of the Grenfell fire tragedy, which rightly required two staircases in taller buildings, meant we needed to go back to the drawing board.

“We are committed to ensuring that the strong community at Barnsbury is preserved, and we will be building fantastic new homes for all the people who live there – at existing social rents – as well as an additional 135 new social rented homes. These include 47 four-and-five bedroomed family homes, which is virtually unheard of these days, given the cost of building, but shows our commitment to the estate.

“We have been very open with planners, councillors and residents about the challenging environment we operate in and the reasons for a new application with more homes on the estate.”