The scheme, worked up for developer Seven Capital, was submitted to Islington Council earlier this month. It features both new-build elements, improvements to public realm and the retrofit a former 19th-century infirmary.Former Stirling Prize winner Nall McLaughlin Architects has overseen the new buildings. Controversially, these include a 27-storey tower with 242 student beds, which has provoked local criticism.The practice said in planning documents that the tower needed to be around 30 storeys if it is to acquire elegant proportions and sufficiently differentiate itself from its surroundings, which are up to 18 storeys tall.AdvertisementIt said: A landmark tall building, such as Centre Point [by Richard Seifert], needs to be a singular object that stands out from its surroundings. It needs to be significantly higher than nearby buildings to achieve this character.GRID is working on the sites non-student residential buildings, including restoring the former infirmary, a Grade A locally listed building dating back to 1875, which has been vacant for several years. Source:Niall McLaughlinNall McLaughlin and GRID's Archway Campus scheme (October 2024)Of the 178 new homes due to be delivered by GRID, 51 per cent will be affordable.When plans were put to consultation early last year for residential units and a 35-storey tower, local campaign groups Stop Archway Tower and the Highgate Society hit out at the planned height.A petition against the scheme set up by Stop Archway Tower has already received more than 1,500 signatures. It states: No tower block more than twice the height of Archway Tower, creating more wind blight, overshadowing and impact on views across north and central London [should be built].AdvertisementIf approved, the scheme will involve demolishingf some buildings on site, including estate facilities buildings and a 1970s extension.Seven Capital snapped up the site from Peabody in 2021 after plans drawn up by Haworth Tompkins for 400 homes were not progressed.A Seven Capital spokesperson told the AJ that the company was proud to have submitted a transformative development proposal to the London Borough of Islington, featuring over 50 per cent affordable housing.The scheme will deliver high-quality, modern residential accommodation in newly constructed buildings, including a landmark apex tower providing student rooms, alongside the careful renovation and restoration of historic buildings to respect the sites heritage.The development will address local housing needs and make a lasting, positive contribution to the community and wider area through public realm enhancements and the provision of flexible community/commercial space.