Nearly 700 people have signed a petition objecting to plans to build a new tower block in Notting Hill , but developers insist they have the backing of the community.

A planning application for the 18 storey building on the site of Newcombe House, by Notting Hill Gate is due to be discussed by Kensington and Chelsea planners in April, and is opposed to by Skyline Campaign.

Co-founder Barbara Weiss set up the petition, but developers Notting Hill KCS LTD say their plans are the result of years of work with various groups and organisations in the Notting Hill area.

The new building would replace Newcombe House, which is generally viewed as an eyesore, with a new urban quarter offering office accommodation, retail space, 46 residential apartments and a doctor’s surgery.

'Next it will be 20 storeys'

Skyline Campaign says it supports well-designed tall buildings in appropriate locations, but this is not an example of that.

Ms Weiss said: “They are looking to replace a 10 or 11-storey building with an 18 storey building. But it is adjacent to a whole number of conservation areas and you should not be increasing the hight in the area with so many conservation areas.

“It will establish a precedent and that’s hugely dangerous for London on the whole, and especially this particular part of London, which is one of the most revered places in the capital.

“If they allow 18 stories there, when they’ve said you’re not allowed to do that, the next developer will come along and say they want 18 storeys, or 20 storeys, It will be incremental.

“The existing building looks very tired and it is an eyesore. It is completely wrong and shouldn’t be in Notting Hill Gate. But the new design is very mediocre. They need a better design and to not build higher that what it is now”.

A 'slender and elegant landmark'

But the developers say the design is “of exemplary architectural quality”.

Notting Hill KCS said: “There has been extensive consultation with the local community throughout the four years of design development and this has included 27 separate meetings and workshops with residents’ and civic groups as well as two separate public exhibitions that attracted over 250 visitors.

“Significant design and content changes to the scheme resulted from pre-application consultation and support for the application scheme has been received from the Kensington Society, Ladbroke Association, Cherry Trees Residents’ Amenities Association and the Notting Hill Gate Improvements Group . These groups represent over 1,000 members.

“In addition, the proposals have the support of the GLA (Greater London Authority) and the Notting Hill Farmers’ Market and Historic England (formerly English Heritage) have not raised an objection.”

It said the GLA had described the design as, while taller than the existing Newcombe House building, a more slender and elegant landmark, which is supported.

Click here to view the petition.