Andrew Dismore

A controversial scheme to build 307 flats on the North Finchley Homebase site has been described as “dreadful” by local London Assembly Member Andrew Dismore. In his written objection, Mr Dismore complained about the height, density and design of the building, lack of local public services the impact on existing parking problems and a lack of onsite amenity spaces.

Mr Dismore said:

“This dreadful development is one of several in the Finchley area where developers are submitting huge applications, whilst the local area does not have the public service provision needed to cope. These are gigantic blocks in comparison to what is nearby, reaching up to 9 storeys.

“We know there is a lack of green spaces in this part of North Finchley, this makes the situation worse, as the only green space there is to provide distance between blocks, not really useable. We know this area already has huge parking problems, which this development will only make worse because parking will be displaced onto congested neighbouring roads.”

West Finchley Councillor Ross Houston, Barnet Labour’s spokesperson for Housing and Growth added:

“North Finchley needs a real plan for the Town Centre, and this site should have been part of a holistic vision,

which involves listening to residents and local businesses about what is needed. Instead our failing Conservative Council has no working plan, and isn’t providing the leadership we need. It must block this unacceptable development and lay down the rules on what is and isn’t acceptable development here.

“Given the proposed scheme to build on the nearby Hospital green, it is important local residents get a say on these developments before the Conservative Government can gut their rights to object with their new white paper, which is merely a charter for developers.”

ENDS

Notes

• Andrew Dismore AM is the London Assembly Member for Barnet and Camden.
• Cllr Ross Houston is Labour Councillor for West Finchley and Barnet Labour Group Spokesperson for Housing and Growth.
• A Copy of the written objection from Andrew Dismore AM can be found here:Homebase Objection September 2020