SAVE OUR EDGWARE: Residents and campaigners submit objections to Local Plan

A group of residents and campaigners have lodged objections to the Draft Barnet Local Plan, arguing it will overwhelm Edgware and the surrounding area.

The Local Plan project proposes up to 4,740 new homes in the area, most of them in high-rise buildings.

Two community groups, Save Our Edgware and the Edgware Community Association, strongly opposed the plans.

Anuta Zack, spokeswoman for Save Our Edgware, said: “Barnet Council is ignoring its own policies and those of the London 2021 Plan on high-rise, heritage, conservation areas and listed buildings.”

Tony Allan, chairman of Edgware Community Association, outlined the group’s proposals for the Local Plan. These include a modern transport interchange, a town center shopping centre, permanent protection for Deans Brook Nature Reserve and housing development supported by local schools, nurseries and NHS services.

A Barnet Council spokesman said: “We will consult fully on the Ballymore proposals as part of the normal planning process, which will include statutory consultants such as the Fire Brigade, as well as residents and community groups.

“Save Our Edgware’s submission to the main Local Plan amendments is currently being considered by officers before being referred to the planning inspector. The main changes to the Local Plan, particularly on open spaces and biodiversity issues, remain aligned with the London Plan, national legislation and the ambition of the council, which has declared a Climate and Biodiversity Emergency.

“In order to adopt the Local Plan, the council was obliged to accept the changes proposed by the inspector. This includes changes to the policy on tall buildings.

“We have just completed the consultation on making the final changes to the Local Plan that will replace the existing 2012 plan.

“Once the Local Plan is adopted, we will bring in new guidance on height and density.”

Photo credit: Save Our Edgware