PLANS for the fourth new housing block on the massive King’s Cross development were submitted this week - as the cranes get to work on the first flats behind the hoardings.

The R5 block will provide 143 affordable homes on York Way - just south of the railway bridge by the Maiden Lane Estate - if Camden Council approves planning permission.

Work has already begun on the neighbouring R4 block, and detailed plans have now been submitted for 505 of the 2,000 new homes that will make up the King’s Cross Central development.

Robert Evans, from King’s Cross Central, said: “We’re moving full steam ahead to develop new homes. Construction work has already started on our first residential building and we hope to start building the affordable homes at R5 in May, if Camden approve the plans we have just submitted. “These will be high quality, centrally located affordable homes. More than a quarter of it will be specifically designed for the elderly to meet a priority need within the borough.

“We’re delighted to be forging ahead at King’s Cross. And we’re not just putting in planning submissions – we’re building too.”

In September 4,500 staff and students from the Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design – part of the University of Arts London – will move into their new home at the site’s Granary Complex.

A new street leading off York Way into King’s Cross Central will also be constructed, and the public spaces in the area will be revamped.

The first new homes are expected to be ready next year, when registered social landlord One Housing Group will take over responsibility for the affordable housing stock.

Alan Williams, group development director at One Housing Group, said: “We are delighted that plans are moving ahead with the next phase of affordable housing at Kings Cross Central. With London’s housing need rising, we are committed to developing high quality affordable housing to fill this gap.

“With construction already started on the adjacent plot, R4, we look forward to the first residents moving into their new homes next year and seeing the benefits that the development will bring for the community as a whole.”