Andrew Dismore

Andrew Dismore AM, London Assembly member for Barnet and Camden, has today submitted objections to the planning application for the West Hendon Estate ( copy attached).

Mr Dismore said:

“I have five main reasons to object to the scheme:

1) Existing residents should be the priority, and under the Council’s proposals they are clearly not.

2) The density is above that permitted in the London Plan and the proposed development does not meet the criteria in Barnet Council Local Plan.

3) Lack of parking and impact on traffic congestion.

4) Lack of additional local services, especially primary health care.

5) The threat to the SSSI and local wildlife.

I have been consulting residents on the estate and in the immediate neighbourhood, unlike the Conservative controlled council. whilst I am still analysing the substantial number  of responses to my survey, the early indications are that it is absolutely  clear that there is considerable disquiet over the overwhelming scale of what is proposed,  and the scheme  will cause  lasting damage to the local community, neighbourhood  and environment.

The Council have become nothing more than real estate  speculators, with their latest wheeze to build 29 storey blocks of flats, topped by  multi million pound penthouses, way beyond the financial reach of existing Barnet residents  overlooking the Welsh Harp, which will no doubt be snapped up by absentee overseas oligarchs. In doing so, the Conservatives have  given no thought to the destruction of the very same Welsh Harp  nature reserve  which would be the consequence of these monstrous  buildings.

The council under the Conservatives have dithered and delayed for over 11 years now since the only ballot they conducted  of residents on the estate; and what is now proposed is completely and utterly different to the original plans.

This shameless Council, as usual, do not give a fig for the interests or opinions of the long suffering residents of the estate, who have seen repairs neglected and the estate deteriorate on the council’s ancient and never fulfilled promise of regeneration. Under Conservative Barnet Council, as always, the residents who are most affected come last in their considerations.

The council should reballot the residents on their scheme, if they were confident that it was welcome. Their failure yet again to do so speaks volumes.

This scheme is unacceptable and should be thrown out.”

Click to view the planning objection letter: Objection Letter – West Hendon 13/05/2013