Planned extensions to flats adjacent to the Odeon cinema in Muswell Hill have been shelved, following the objections of residents in the area backed up by Muswell Hill councillor Gail Engert, who attended the day-long appeal hearing.

The battle between residents and developers has been ongoing, and Councillor Engert has campaigned against earlier schemes on the same site.

Councillor Engert had led objections to the proposals on the basis that the plans did not fit in with the surrounding buildings and were out of character with the area as a whole. The Planning Inspectorate’s appeal decision, published on the 27th June, dismissed the developer’s appeal, concluding that the plans “would result in significant harm…to the character and appearance of the conservation area”.

Councillor Engert comments: “The addition of another level to the Odeon cinema building, complete with a bridge over the car park entrance, would have spoiled the appearance of a much-loved local landmark and detracted from the area as a whole. I am very pleased to hear that these proposals have been turned down.”