Labour’s energy secretary Ed Miliband, has raised objections to a proposed redevelopment near their home in north London. The development, which involves a new block of flats, is part of the government’s broader push to build 1.5 million new homes by the next general election. While Dame Justine supports the principle of new housing, she has criticised the design, calling it “too tall, too bulky and too dense” for the area.
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A source close to the High Court judge clarified to The Independent that Dame Justine was not against the idea of housing on the site but objected specifically to the proposed design. Her opposition comes as Labour has pledged to confront the ‘Nimby’ (Not in My Back Yard) mentality, with the party committing to delivering 1.5 million homes by the next election. Sir Keir Starmer, before becoming prime minister, vowed to take a firm stance against Labour MPs who oppose new housing developments in their constituencies, emphasising his commitment to backing “builders, not blockers.”
The five-storey block of flats that Dame Justine has criticised has been promoted by developers who argue that Labour’s relaxed planning regulations make the site suitable for housing. They contend that local objections should not hinder development on brownfield sites. However, Dame Justine insists that the developers should reconsider their design and return to the drawing board. She pointed to the nearby Highgate Newtown residential development as a model of thoughtful design, blending well with its surroundings, and urged Camden Council to reject the current proposal in favour of a more sympathetic approach.
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The objection has also gained support from actor Benedict Cumberbatch, who described the design as “out of keeping with the architectural style of the area” and warned that it would disrupt the street’s aesthetic. The prime minister’s spokesperson declined to comment on individual views, but reiterated the government’s commitment to its housing agenda. He stressed the government’s determination to pass the Planning and Infrastructure Bill to facilitate the delivery of new homes and infrastructure across the country.
