Archway Campus Joint Action Group submits its objection to the Mayor

The Archway Campus Joint Action Group (JAG), a coalition of Highgate and Archway community organisations and residents, including the Highgate Society, submitted its detailed response to the GLA ahead of the 5th October consultation deadline. 

The full JAG consultation response can be read here and here.

Despite the developer’s revised proposals, the fundamental concerns remain unresolved. The controversial 27-storey, 82-metre student tower remains unchanged, as do all 242 student bedrooms. Meanwhile, the number of conventional homes has been reduced from 178 to 167, and affordable homes have fallen dramatically from 91 to just 39 – a reduction of 57%. The tower would be built on a site not designated for tall buildings and would cause significant harm to the local area’s historic character and important views, including those from Hampstead Heath, Grade II* Waterlow Park and Grade I registered Highgate Cemetery.

JAG continues to support the redevelopment of this important site, but believes the current proposals are inappropriate and fail to meet local housing needs. The submission sets out why the revised scheme does not overcome the policy breaches  that led Islington Council to refuse planning permission in March 2025. We are now awaiting confirmation of the date of the Mayor’s public hearing, at which the application will be considered.