Eight penthouses will be built on top of five tower blocks despite more than 100 people opposing the plans.

Some of the 200 people living at Darwin Court in Primrose Hill warned that building the extensions on top of their blocks would “present unacceptable risk”.

But others say the plans would help to fix problems at the flats such as the hot water and heating system, which they describe as “useless”.

Camden Council's planning committee approved the plans yesterday (November 14), despite opposition from some councillors.

Developer Airspace Group claims that the benefits of the scheme include enhanced fire safety, new roofs and new lifts, as well as a £230,000 contribution to new communal boilers.

Its plans for eight penthouses to be created on top of the existing 1970s blocks were submitted earlier this year.

Since then, more than 100 objections have been lodged with the council’s planning department, as well as around 20 supporting submissions.

Two Primrose Hill ward councillors, Anna Burrage and Matt Cooper, and Camden Town councillor Patricia Callaghan opposed the scheme.

One Darwin Court leaseholder told the committee yesterday evening (November 14) that new penthouses would provide “minimal benefit” to Camden’s housing needs.

“[Penthouses] are likely to become investment properties rather than homes for local people,” she said.

The leaseholder added that she was worried about asbestos being disturbed during the construction as well as the overlooking impact on Grade-II listed Cecil Sharp House, a historic centre for folk music opposite Darwin Court.

“Your decision today will impact not just our day-to-day lives but also a vital piece of Britain’s cultural heritage,” she warned councillors.

Another leaseholder at the flats spoke at the meeting to support the plans, claiming that the developer’s promise to make the blocks step-free would “transform their lives”.

“The step free access design provides safer entrances and will help protect against the drug-taking issues we face around here and from the increasing unwanted entry into our blocks,” she said.

“One outstanding problem is our useless hot water and heating system, but the £230,000 that [the developer] will add to our reserve fund will help to tackle this. We are mad not to want it.”

The developer added that modular construction will be used to minimise on site building work as much as possible.

Councillors ultimately voted in favour of approving the plans.