A group opposing a scheme to divide up a historic coal yard in King's Cross for shops says they were not asked about the plans, despite a claim that they were.

Developer Related Argent has put forward plans to redevelop the grade II-listed Coal Drops Yard into a series of smaller streets hosting shops and "grab-and-go" food outlets.

Coal Drops Yard, designed by King’s Cross station architect Lewis Cubitt in the mid-19th-century, was once an important industrial hub for receiving and distributing coal across Britain.

It was redeveloped with designer Thomas Heatherwick in 2018, featuring modern 'kissing roofs' above the original yard.

But the new plans for a pavilion-style building dividing the coal yard into narrower shopping streets have been slammed by some for making the historic building look like "a duty-free mall".

One group that opposes the plans – King’s Cross Conservation Area Advisory Committee – warns the pavilion would “cause unacceptable harm” by blocking views through the yard.

In a formal letter of objection, the committee also claimed that “the applicant, nor anyone on behalf of the applicant has contacted the [conservation area], erroneously claiming engagement”.

The group is listed as a stakeholder in the statement of community involvement submitted by the developer alongside its planning application (2024/3019/P) to Camden Council.

All stakeholders were supposed to have been sent introductory emails about the plans, as well as an invitation to meet.

Out of the 33 public responses the council has received regarding the proposals during the planning consultation period, only one was supportive.

Several objectors voiced concerns regarding the planned alterations, noting the potential infringement upon the open space of the yard and the area's historic value.

Among those who oppose the plans is Sir Antony Gormley, creator the Angel of the North statue in Gateshead.

The King's Cross area has also recently been shortlisted for the Riba Stirling architecture prize, for transforming a site of abandoned buildings, bars and nighclubs into a residential area with 1,700 new homes and five public squares.

A spokesperson for Related Argent claimed that everyone listed as a stakeholder in planning documents was contacted on May 13 about the plans.

They added: “We remain in ongoing discussions with Camden Council on the project.”