CAMPAIGNERS who fear a huge new block of flats will be unaffordable say it will turn the area into the “Manhattan skyline”.

Apex House, in Seven Sisters Road, will be turned into a 23 storey tower after plans were approved at a Haringey Council meeting last week.

But while the cost of the homes has not yet been announced, members of Haringey Defend Council Housing fear they will be too expensive for most people to afford.

Paul Burnham, the secretary of the group, called the decision “nonsense”.

He said: “Apex house is one on the flagship developments in Tottenham but it is not going to be beneficial for people.

“The council’s plan is to knock down public buildings and build private sky scrapers all over Tottenham and Wood Green, but the housing they are going to build will be unaffordable for local people.

“So much development and extra houses will lead to increases in rent for people and will socially and economically cleanse the area.”

Mr Burnham added development on Apex house will not help people who rely on the council to support them with housing.

He said: “The new buildings they are going to build offer nothing to people waiting for housing or temporary accommodation.

“It is just not good for ordinary people as some of the poorest people in London live in Haringey and they are having to subsidise these developments.

“I think the council wants the area to be like the Manhattan skyline but they are going to private skyscrapers which will exclude local people.”

Haringey council says it will bring “growth” to the borough.

Cllr Alan Strickland, cabinet member for housing and regeneration, said: “Bringing more than 100 new homes to the heart of Tottenham is a massive vote of confidence in the future of Haringey and its key role in delivering London’s growth.

“This landmark development will bring the modern, high-quality homes our residents deserve, with nearly 40 per cent of the building earmarked for affordable housing.”

A spokesperson at Grainger, who was not named, said they “welcomed” the council’s choice to grant planning permission to Apex House.

They said: “This decision follows a long engagement programme with the local community and the Council and we look forward to continuing this dialogue as we move towards the next stage.

“This high quality build-to-rent development will deliver much-needed new affordable and private rental homes for Haringey, substantial improvements to the public realm, alongside well-designed and modern space for the nearby Seven Sisters market, all of which will significantly benefit the local area.”

It is not yet known when the development on the building will begin.