Fears ‘Teardrop’ tower will ‘cast gloomy shadows’ in Dalston

Developers’ preliminary plans for a 19-storey private complex next to Dalston Kingsland station have sparked uproar, with campaigning forum OPEN Dalston arguing that the construction will cast “gloomy shadows” across substantial parts of the area.

The building, dubbed Teardrop Tower, will stand at the forefront of Ridley Road Market and will dominate the view of the street.

A daylight and sunlight consultant report said the tower would have ‘’no significant impact’’ in terms of sunlight, but OPEN Dalston says it will look out of place, adding: “Like a lighthouse in reverse, the tower will take light from public space, local homes and roof gardens, businesses, locally listed buildings and from Ridley Road Market.”

OPEN Dalston also argues that the development caters for an incoming class of single young professions rather than local families.

Developer Rothas is expected to submit final proposals to Hackney Council in the coming months, and Bill Parry-Davies, a prominent Hackney lawyer and founding member of OPEN Dalston, is urging residents to fight tooth and nail against the scheme.

He said: “Let us hope that Hackney will have the same courage of its convictions as Islington recently showed when it won its court appeal against Arsenal Football Club’s plan for an inappropriate tall building off Holloway Road which would also have damaged the character of the area.”

A spokesperson for Rothas said at present they are unable to comment on the details of the plans because “discussions are still continuing with the local authority and other relevant bodies concerning the current scheme”. They added: “We look forward to putting the final proposals with any revisions to Hackney Council in due course.”