Barnet Council OKs a plan for development until 2036, despite local worries over tower heights in Edgware.
The Local Plan designates sites for building while also restricting development in some areas. It guides decisions on planning applications, addressing housing and job needs. It also considers commercial requirements in Barnet.
Lucy Wakeley, the Conservative deputy leader, asked for a review of the Edgware planning document from 2021. She believes it needs another look.
Edgware can support growth, according to London planners for decades. Yet, locals want tower height limits changed and have asked the council for years. People want smaller buildings.
Ballymore and TfL are partners planning 25 towers up to 29 stories tall. They also want a new electric bus garage, but the London Fire Brigade has concerns about this. The height is a worry for people.
Thousands objected to the plan, disliking the amount of housing and opposing the tower heights in Edgware. People feel like the buildings will be too large and will affect their views.
Peter Zinkin, a Conservative leader, is worried residents’ concerns are ignored. He wants councillors to write to TfL to listen to the community, because residents want their voices heard.
Zinkin wants the council to talk to TfL about the type of bus station to be built, addressing residents’ concerns. He hopes TfL will build a suitable station that meets the community’s needs.
The planning committee will discuss some of the worries and review Ballymore and TfL’s plans. Zinkin thinks the council could better address doubts and wants more communication with citizens.
Zinkin said many people object to this plan and sees it as a message to the council. He believes the council needs to communicate better and show they listen.
Ross Houston, the cabinet member for homes, responded to these concerns. He admitted the site allocations were a problem that he thinks started in 2018 when Conservatives controlled the council.
Houston said the Edgware site was advanced and the council is expected to deliver development. He said changes at this stage are not possible because he believes it is too far along.
Houston stated the inspector considered it and was okay with the numbers in the Local Plan for Edgware. He thinks the plan is ready.
Houston said the council already spoke to Ballymore and he will pass on concerns about the bus station to TfL. He is willing to communicate resident’s worries and cares about their opinions.
Houston added that inspectors reviewed this matter and said it is not a planning consideration. It’s a matter for TfL to decide, but the committee will still have a say, and the plans might change due to opinions.