Zadok Nava in Vorley Road

THREE new tower blocks up to 15 storeys in height could be built in Archway under new proposals unveiled by the Town Hall.

The Vorley Road Development would see the creation of 79 homes as well as space for a library and a medical centre.

But some Archway residents say that they are concerned about the height of the project.

Zadok Nava, who has lived on Vorley Road for 33 years, said: “We’re concerned about the wind blight, about the loss of light, and about the scale of the development. It just seems to be excessive.”

An initial plan for the site, which was previously occupied by the Adult Community Centre and a bus depot, was put forward in 2022.

It proposed that 72 homes would be built, with 51 per cent set aside for social rent. But after changes in building regulations, the plans were resubmitted, and were put out to a consultation survey ending this week.

Under the latest proposals, only 42 per cent of the flats will be let at social rents, with 49 per cent being sold privately and the remainder being under shared ownership.

“What people want around here is low rise affordable housing – people don’t want luxury flats,” said Mr Nava.

“Absolutely there’s a need for social housing, but it’s a question of the right social housing. The main demand is for family accommodation.”

According to the most recent plan, only 11 of the 79 flats will be three bedroom, family-size flats. The remaining 68 flats will consist of one or two bedrooms.

Architect Adrian Betham who lives nearby, criticised the design of the project, which claims to “emphasise sustainability from the outset, encouraging low-carbon living and minimizing future energy costs.”

He said: “It is highly inefficient from an environmental point of view, with massive lifts and tall buildings.

“Feasibility studies showed that all the social housing could be built within a four storey building on top of the library and the medical centre.”

Mr Nava said that he felt that the council had not been transparent enough with the community about how the plans for the site have grown in size.

He said: “What we would like to know is why the council decided to propose such a big, ambitious project when it seems like they could do something more modest that would still meet their requirements.”

A spokesperson for Islington Council said: “Subject to planning permission, the Vorley Road scheme will deliver 79 much-needed new homes, including 33 homes for social rent, 7 for shared ownership, and 39 for market sale to help fund the project.

“The development will also provide a new library and a GP centre at ground and first floor level, alongside ­improvements to the surrounding public realm.”

They added: “As the applicant, we have carefully designed the scheme to make the best use of this former bus stand and council office site, while minimising the impact on neighbouring properties.

“We strongly encourage residents to view the plans and share their comments on the planning application via the Islington Council website.”