Over 5,500 objections filed against controversial Edgware redevelopment
October 13, 2024
Over 5,500 objections filed against controversial Edgware redevelopment
by ldn6
9 comments
> Community groups “Save Our Edgware” and “Edgware Community Association” have made history, setting a new record for planning objections for Barnet Council. Over 5,500 objections have been lodged against Ballymore Ltd and Transport for London’s (TfL) proposed redevelopment of Edgware Town Centre. The plan includes demolishing the Broadwalk Shopping Centre, bus station, and garage to make way for 3,828 housing units spread across 25 tower blocks, some reaching up to 29 storeys. Tony Allan, Chair of the Edgware Community Association, shared his gratitude for the community’s effort, saying, “We thank everybody for making a great effort in objecting, including dealing with the Barnet Council Planning Portal, which struggled to keep up with demand. The objections are based on truth, reality, experience, deep research, and a love of Edgware. The record-breaking number of objections reflects just how out of touch this development is with the needs of the local community. We now expect Barnet Council to fulfil its duty to provide conscientious consideration of residents’ objections in line with established legal standards, particularly given the volume and severity of concerns raised. The council must demonstrate that it has thoroughly reviewed and addressed every objection, ensuring transparency and integrity in the decision-making process. We’re urging Barnet Council to reject this totally flawed application.”
> Central to the opposition is the plan to demolish Edgware Bus Station. Critics argue that its closure would disproportionately impact the elderly, disabled, and those reliant on public transport. The Greater London Authority (GLA) raised concerns in its Stage 1 Report, stating, “The application does not currently comply with the London Plan…significant strategic matters require addressing regarding the delivery of the Bus Station and Bus Garage to operational standards.” Issues were also noted regarding bus station and garage designs, including the need for an all-electric bus garage and the risk of increased congestion from relocated bus stops. The GLA also highlighted the need for a broader consultation, recommending, “The EqIA should be widened to be site-specific, rather than borough-specific,” reflecting the impact on residents in nearby boroughs, including Harrow. The proposed development would see a dramatic reduction in public parking spaces, from 1,235 bays to just 292. Critics argue that this would negatively impact shoppers, commuters, and local workers, particularly those with limited mobility.
> While opposition to the plan has been significant, Ballymore noted the positive aspects of their proposal. A spokesperson for the development stated, “We are proud of our proposals for Edgware Town Centre. The project would deliver 3,365 new homes (including 1,150 affordable homes) and 460 student accommodation spaces at a time when London needs new housing more than ever. In addition, it would create nearly 1,500 new full-time local jobs, generating circa £3 million annually in spending within the local area, and an increased GVA of circa £80 million annually.” The developers also noted that their plans have been shaped by feedback from over 3,300 local residents since 2020. They stated, “On an ambitious scheme such as this, we understand there will always be a range of views and opinions and while we appreciate there are objections to the proposals, we have been really encouraged by the significant levels of support alongside this, as shown in independent local sentiment polling which indicated 70% of those polled thought the plans will have a positive impact on Edgware.
> “A total of £1.7 billion would be invested in Edgware Town Centre over a 10-year period, making Edgware an outstanding place for modern urban living, with thriving commerce; extensive new public spaces and parks; improved connectivity and public transport; new health infrastructure; new leisure and culture offerings and a variety of homes. “The thousands of conversations we’ve had over the last four years have fundamentally shaped our scheme and we look forward to continuing these discussions as we progress through the planning process.” The proposal’s opponents, including Save Our Edgware spokesperson Anuta Zack, remain steadfast in their resistance. Zack noted the safety concerns and called for a reconsideration, saying, “This development is not just a threat to the character of Edgware; it poses real safety risks to the people who live and work here. The fire risks from the underground bus garage, the inadequate public transport provisions, and the overwhelming housing density are all deeply concerning. “We’re calling on Ballymore to withdraw its current plans and work with the community to develop a solution that respects Edgware’s character and infrastructure.”
25 tower blocks.
Is this for real?
The local Facebook group is nothing but nonsense NIMBY arguments against this development, as if the car park that sits mainly empty throughout the week and a delapidated shopping centre are some grade 1 listed buildings
This is the perfect use case for redevelopment, right on top of a tube station with shops and other amenities in walking distance. One of the leaders of the opposition to this is a local landlord with a massive portfolio ffs
12,500 objections to LTA building on Wimbledon Metropolitan Open Land in legal breach of their Freehold Covenants.. all objections ignored , planning permission granted no problem: complete scam:
Edgware is a crumbling shit hole and needs this redevelopment
Locals are right to reject these sorts of developments since it won’t benefit them. It’s mainly for the foreign rich as a way to launder/park their money which in turn drives the market upwards in terms of rent especially.
Look at the developments in Vauxhall as an example, segregated area cleansed of locals, hence why they look and feel awful.
Khan will probably use his prerogative to override it if the council doesn’t.
Doesn’t the government have the opportunity to ignore these and start building anyway as, labour amended the city and towns plannings act?
Burnt Oak and Edgeware are the biggest shitholes of north London, the area desperately needs redevelopment
9 comments
> Community groups “Save Our Edgware” and “Edgware Community Association” have made history, setting a new record for planning objections for Barnet Council. Over 5,500 objections have been lodged against Ballymore Ltd and Transport for London’s (TfL) proposed redevelopment of Edgware Town Centre. The plan includes demolishing the Broadwalk Shopping Centre, bus station, and garage to make way for 3,828 housing units spread across 25 tower blocks, some reaching up to 29 storeys. Tony Allan, Chair of the Edgware Community Association, shared his gratitude for the community’s effort, saying, “We thank everybody for making a great effort in objecting, including dealing with the Barnet Council Planning Portal, which struggled to keep up with demand. The objections are based on truth, reality, experience, deep research, and a love of Edgware. The record-breaking number of objections reflects just how out of touch this development is with the needs of the local community. We now expect Barnet Council to fulfil its duty to provide conscientious consideration of residents’ objections in line with established legal standards, particularly given the volume and severity of concerns raised. The council must demonstrate that it has thoroughly reviewed and addressed every objection, ensuring transparency and integrity in the decision-making process. We’re urging Barnet Council to reject this totally flawed application.”
> Central to the opposition is the plan to demolish Edgware Bus Station. Critics argue that its closure would disproportionately impact the elderly, disabled, and those reliant on public transport. The Greater London Authority (GLA) raised concerns in its Stage 1 Report, stating, “The application does not currently comply with the London Plan…significant strategic matters require addressing regarding the delivery of the Bus Station and Bus Garage to operational standards.” Issues were also noted regarding bus station and garage designs, including the need for an all-electric bus garage and the risk of increased congestion from relocated bus stops. The GLA also highlighted the need for a broader consultation, recommending, “The EqIA should be widened to be site-specific, rather than borough-specific,” reflecting the impact on residents in nearby boroughs, including Harrow. The proposed development would see a dramatic reduction in public parking spaces, from 1,235 bays to just 292. Critics argue that this would negatively impact shoppers, commuters, and local workers, particularly those with limited mobility.
> While opposition to the plan has been significant, Ballymore noted the positive aspects of their proposal. A spokesperson for the development stated, “We are proud of our proposals for Edgware Town Centre. The project would deliver 3,365 new homes (including 1,150 affordable homes) and 460 student accommodation spaces at a time when London needs new housing more than ever. In addition, it would create nearly 1,500 new full-time local jobs, generating circa £3 million annually in spending within the local area, and an increased GVA of circa £80 million annually.” The developers also noted that their plans have been shaped by feedback from over 3,300 local residents since 2020. They stated, “On an ambitious scheme such as this, we understand there will always be a range of views and opinions and while we appreciate there are objections to the proposals, we have been really encouraged by the significant levels of support alongside this, as shown in independent local sentiment polling which indicated 70% of those polled thought the plans will have a positive impact on Edgware.
> “A total of £1.7 billion would be invested in Edgware Town Centre over a 10-year period, making Edgware an outstanding place for modern urban living, with thriving commerce; extensive new public spaces and parks; improved connectivity and public transport; new health infrastructure; new leisure and culture offerings and a variety of homes. “The thousands of conversations we’ve had over the last four years have fundamentally shaped our scheme and we look forward to continuing these discussions as we progress through the planning process.” The proposal’s opponents, including Save Our Edgware spokesperson Anuta Zack, remain steadfast in their resistance. Zack noted the safety concerns and called for a reconsideration, saying, “This development is not just a threat to the character of Edgware; it poses real safety risks to the people who live and work here. The fire risks from the underground bus garage, the inadequate public transport provisions, and the overwhelming housing density are all deeply concerning. “We’re calling on Ballymore to withdraw its current plans and work with the community to develop a solution that respects Edgware’s character and infrastructure.”
25 tower blocks.
Is this for real?
The local Facebook group is nothing but nonsense NIMBY arguments against this development, as if the car park that sits mainly empty throughout the week and a delapidated shopping centre are some grade 1 listed buildings
This is the perfect use case for redevelopment, right on top of a tube station with shops and other amenities in walking distance. One of the leaders of the opposition to this is a local landlord with a massive portfolio ffs
12,500 objections to LTA building on Wimbledon Metropolitan Open Land in legal breach of their Freehold Covenants.. all objections ignored , planning permission granted no problem: complete scam:
Edgware is a crumbling shit hole and needs this redevelopment
Locals are right to reject these sorts of developments since it won’t benefit them. It’s mainly for the foreign rich as a way to launder/park their money which in turn drives the market upwards in terms of rent especially.
Look at the developments in Vauxhall as an example, segregated area cleansed of locals, hence why they look and feel awful.
Khan will probably use his prerogative to override it if the council doesn’t.
Doesn’t the government have the opportunity to ignore these and start building anyway as, labour amended the city and towns plannings act?
Burnt Oak and Edgeware are the biggest shitholes of north London, the area desperately needs redevelopment