An impression of the Bishopsgate development. Pic: The More Light, More Power campaign

The controversial Bishopsgate Goodsyard development has been strongly criticised  by Jules Pipe,  the Mayor of Hackney in an open letter to Boris Johnson.

In his letter to the Mayor of London, Pipe said the development of six new towers of luxury flats, which will cover around 4.4 hectares of land, will only benefit the wealthy and property investors.

Pipe said: “In no one’s eyes, provided they were not blinded by the potential profit they were making, could such an enormous height and volume of buildings be seen as appropriate to be landed in the heart of this vibrant neighbourhood, casting a shadow over hundreds of homes and businesses.”

The letter also addressed the development’s effect on rising house prices in London.

Pipe said: “This scheme will serve primarily to line the pockets of developers and property investors and is an example of everything that is wrong with the capital’s property and development market.

“These expensive flats are not the sort of homes we need. They will be far beyond the reach of most Londoners and do nothing to help address the capital’s housing crisis.”

A petition on Change.org has already attracted more than 10,000 in opposition to the development.

A statement from developers Hammerson and Ballymore said: “We believe that our scheme is right for this site. The completed development will bring at least 7,000 jobs to the area in the next few years – including apprenticeships and construction jobs.”

“When complete, The Goodsyard will also bring much needed homes to the area including a significant number of three, four and five bedroom properties, alongside flexible retail space and a public park.”

A public hearing on the Bishopsgate proposal will take place March 11 at City Hall, ahead of Johnson’s decision.