A public enquiry will be held to decide whether an extra storey can be added to an Art Deco block of flats.

Developer Freshwater hopes to build seven more flats in a mansard roof extension on the 1930s block in Howitt Close, Belsize Park.

After Camden Council refused planning permission last August, a new application with a “revised design” was submitted for consideration.

But Freshwater also appealed the original refusual, and Camden has put a decision on the new plans on hold until a public inquiry to determine the appeal has taken place.

The hearing to decide the appeal is due to take place at the council’s premises at 5 Pancras Square at 10am next Tuesday (July 4).

The Howitt Close mansion block was built between 1932 and 1934 in an Art Deco style and sits within the Belsize Conservation area.

The proposal generated more than 100 objections, including from TBS, Belsize Conservation Area Advisory Committee (BCAAC) and the Twentieth Century Society, and no expressions of support.

In January, Ham and High reported that campaigners against the extra storey for the block of flats had submitted a Grade II listing application to Historic England.

Documents relating to the upcoming planning appeal show that this was rejected by Historic England on March 31 on the basis that the building does not meet the criteria of national listing as it is only of “moderate architectural interest”.

Five reasons were given for the initial refusal of planning permission for an additional seven flats in Howitt Close.

The decision claimed that the designs would “harm the character” of the Belsize Conservation area, would not meet “the highest feasible environmental standards” and would not contribute to affordable housing.

Other concerns raised included the potential for “parking stress and congestion” in the area as well as “conflicts with other road users” during construction.

In the developer’s case statement for the appeal, they highlighted written council support for the second application.

Camden's planning officer's report in January ahead of a decision meeting stated that “the principle of the development is considered acceptable”.

The planning hearing was subsequently put on hold due to the Grade II listing application. 

The appeal case statement continued: “The volte face of the… [London Borough of Camden] on design and heritage issues from a proposed scheme that was broadly agreed…to refusal of planning permission and support for a revised proposal…has resulted in considerable delay and necessitated determination at appeal”.

Anyone who would like to attend the inquiry should email PlanningAppeals@camden.gov.uk