Plans to build a possible 21-storey tower block in Tottenham Hale have been met with hundreds of objections, including from the Deputy Mayor of London.

The Canals and River Trust are looking to redevelop Hale Wharf and build up to 505 new homes, of which 249 would be come from “the construction of buildings ranging from 16 to 21 storeys”, according to their planning application to Haringey Council.

Consultation on the plans has ended on August 31 and it had been expected they would go to the planning committee in October, but with over 160 objections lodged it is likely the plans will be put on hold.

One of the objectors is Joanne McCartney, Greater London Authority (GLA) member for Enfield and Haringey and deputy to Mayor Sadiq Khan, who calls the plans “clearly unacceptable”.

In a letter submitted to the application, Ms McCartney says she is particularly concerned about a lack of privacy for people surrounding the block, and sayd it would be out of keeping with the area, which is Green Belt land.

She says: “Whilst accepting that this site can provide additional much needed housing the proposed development is not in keeping with the local area, is poorly designed and is far too tall.  

“At 21 storeys this development is much too high and out of keeping with the local area which comprises of mainly low and mid‐rise buildings. It would overshadow and impact the privacy of the Hale Village opposite and detract from the openness of the area.

“The design of the proposed development is also not in keeping surrounding developments and it is not a sympathetic design in relation to its waterside setting. I do not believe that this makes a positive contribution to improve the quality or character of the area.

“Concerns have been raised with me regarding the effect of wildlife such as bats and birds, especially being so close to the Lee Valley Park.”

Out of 505 possible homes in the development, only 34 have been designated as “affordable”.

People living near the site have also written to the Canal and River Trust, asking them to withdraw the plans.

Quentin Given, who lives on the neighbouring Ferry Lane estate, said: “One or two living here do not have a problem, but the vast majority say it is not appropriate. It would be fair enough for a town centre idea, but in the Green Belt it is not the right kind of development.

“If you come from an urban area, this is where you go to get relief with the open skies, paddocks and reservoirs. That sense of openness will change, and people are upset.

“The council have their Tottenham action plan, which says buildings should scale down away from the city centre. This is the reverse.”

Michael Orr, development director at Waterside Places, which is overseeing the project for the Canals and River Trust, said they have “worked closely” with the council and the GLA to make the proposals acceptable.

He said: “The scale and design of the proposals have been carefully considered. We believe that they respond appropriately to the site’s position, close to Tottenham Hale station and its associated public transport hub.

“We consider that the proposals deliver what is required and are consistent with planning policy for Tottenham Hale, including the housing zone and area action plan. As well as more than 500 much-needed new homes, the project will create replacement jobs and connections to the Lea Valley through the Paddock.

“We anticipate that a decision on the application will be made by the planning committee at Haringey over the next few months.”