Kentish Town residents have amassed over 1,000 signatures on a petition against the proposed Camden Film Quarter development.
The plans, submitted by Yoo Capital to Camden Council in late 2025 following a short public consultation period, include film studios, housing and public spaces on an industrial site, but residents claim it is an “irresponsible overdevelopment” which could reshape the area.
Objections centre on building height, with proposals for towers of up to 24 storeys in an area made up of much lower-rise buildings, alongside concerns about environmental impact, pressure on infrastructure and the relocation of a recycling centre beneath housing near a primary school.
One Kentish Town resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “[Reaching 1,000 signatures shows] a serious, widespread concern, not a small opposition group.
They added people across nearby neighbourhoods were reacting to the same issues, and claimed the plans marked “a step change in density and form, not an evolution of the area.”
They raised concerns about deep excavations causing disruption from construction, traffic and dust, and felt that the documentation was “very difficult for a non-specialist to piece together,” while claiming key elements of the scheme were not always clearly presented which “limits effective public scrutiny.”
They also called for reduced building heights, changes to infrastructure plans and greater transparency around the development.
Alice Brown, architect, Green Party candidate for Highgate ward and resident of Camden for 40 years, said: “A lot of people didn’t realise the scale of the development.
“It was only really when the planning application went in that the true reality became apparent.”
She also highlighted environmental concerns, describing the scale of the development as “very damaging” and undermining efforts to stay within carbon reduction targets.
Tom Young, architect and long-term resident of Camden, was also critical of the scheme.
He questioned whether the scale and design are appropriate for the area and warned of long-term impacts on local businesses.
He described the plans as “anything but visionary,” raising concerns about the changes they could bring to the neighbourhood and surrounding infrastructure.
Comments posted on the petition echoed these worries and one signatory claimed the development places “profit over people,” highlighting fears around traffic congestion, pollution and a lack of services to support new residents.
Another warned construction could become “a nightmare over many years,” while others raised concerns about the impact on historic views from Parliament Hill and the wider character of the borough.
A Camden Council spokesperson said: “We’re currently assessing the application for the proposed Camden Film Quarter development in Camden.
“This includes reviewing the comments and feedback received in the consultation period, alongside all other usual planning considerations.”
A spokesperson for Yoo Capital said: “Camden Film Quarter is a major investment in the area that has been carefully designed in line with planning policy and its local context.
“The new film-anchored neighbourhood will deliver 50% affordable housing, with the majority at social rent, alongside new film studios and workspace supporting London’s creative industries.
“The scheme includes two new schools specialising in the screen industries, over two acres of public realm, new play spaces, a community cinema and an amphitheatre.
“We believe it will create a vibrant, inclusive neighbourhood that supports Camden’s long-term growth, and we remain committed to engaging with local residents as plans progress.”
The planning application remains under review.
.jpg){kind=link}
Join the discussion