Letter to editors on tall buildings in Barnet

Dear editor,

Tall buildings can augment and even enhance a city skyline, for example in the City of London or Hong Kong, but only if they are in the right place, meet the right needs, and respect the character and identity of the surrounding area.

Tall buildings are presently defined as those over 20 storeys, but in the suburbs far less high ones can dominate, for example the scheme in Edgware’s Station Road for what will be the tallest building in the ward at 17 storeys.

But never mind all those of 17, 18 or 19 storeys (currently not considered ‘tall’ by the Council planners!), the latest research shows that there are 23 tall buildings over 20 storeys in the pipeline for Barnet- far more than even in the City of London (9), Westminster (10), or Camden (4)

Such developments completely dominate the skyline. The West Hendon 31 storey tower now under construction sticks out like a sore thumb- and that is just the first of three. These buildings will be seen from over 5 kilometres away in East Finchley.

Cricklewood residents will be surrounded, when 19 high rises of 20 storeys or more are erected around them, affecting not just the landscape but also the quality of life for future generations, all approved by Conservative Barnet Council.

We must have a new planning definition of ‘tall building’ with a lower threshold for the suburbs- we are not the same as the Central Activities Zone in the business districts of the capital. I am pleased that the London Assembly approved my motion for tighter planning controls, despite the Conservatives voting against it. The fact remains that the problem lies at their door, with a Mayor who approves these schemes, and a Council in Barnet which gives planning permission for these monsters despite local opposition from residents.

Unless the Conservatives are stopped in the ballot box, Barnet will soon have to be renamed ‘Barnhattan’.

Yours Sincerely

Andrew Dismore AM

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