Planning objection to B and Q Cricklewood application

September 16, 2020 office

LONDON ASSEMBLY LABOUR

Andrew Dismore AM

London Assembly Member for Barnet and Camden

City Hall

The Queen’s Walk

London

SE1 2AA

15/09/2020

Objection to planning application for B And Q Broadway Retail Park Cricklewood Lane London NW2 1ES, Ref: 20/3564/OUT

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to object to the above application in my capacity as London Assembly Member for Barnet and Camden.

This is another completely unacceptable planning application, for an overly dense and high development. It is possibly one of the worst among many truly appalling applications that have been submitted by developers, set to make a fortune from bad development.

Let us start with the obvious, the 25-storey tower block, which will dominate the skyline for miles, and have an overbearing presence on the small two storey houses nearby, and in some cases completely obscuring views, leading to a total loss of privacy. It is far too high, and is sited on the edge of the development, instead of in the middle of it and further away from neighbours. This is done solely for the purpose of aggrandising the applicant’s development, with no concern for the wellbeing of neighbours.

Secondly the proposal to build 1100 units onsite is simply ridiculous. It is far too dense for a small site. Cramming people in like sardines, one on top of the other, shoulder to shoulder, will lead to a very poor quality of life. Other countries and cities that specialise in high rise development do not cram tall buildings together like this.

The overly dense development will put huge pressure on local services and infrastructure. There is already a shortage of school provision here, and the local walk-in health centre next door is closing. Where are residents supposed to register? One local GP practice has relocated several miles away to Finchley Memorial Hospital.

The traffic and transport impact will be woeful. Given the scheme will generate thousands of extra residents, I am very concerned by the impact on the already crowded bus service. Added to the impact of the Brent Cross regeneration nearby, small local roads will crumble under the weight of huge volumes of additional traffic.

The tenure mix in this development is also unacceptable. The borough needs 3 and 4 bedroom family sized properties, which are not being provided here. In addition, the affordable provision is far too low. It should be over 50% given the poverty levels in the area, and the borough’s poor performance in delivering affordable housing.

For all these reasons I object to this scheme.

Yours sincerely,