In Edgware, 25 tower blocks are being proposed for redevelopment. This large-scale construction lasting 10 years will impact the local infrastructure of Edgware immensely.
Thousands of Edgware residents oppose this monstrous redevelopment plan for a number of reasons. The 25 tower blocks will make Edgware one of the highest density developments in the UK. There will be even greater pressure on the local GP services, local schools and with half of the blocks being 20 storeys or more - loss of light as well. Broadwalk shopping centre will also be demolished.
As your London Assembly candidate for Barnet and Camden, if elected, I will do everything that I can to oppose this overdevelopment. I have already spoken to many residents, as well as the representatives from the Save our Edgware campaign group. Recently, I answered some questions Save our Edgware proposed to candidates, and you can read my responses below or on the original website:
Question 1: Please could you let us know your thoughts on the proposed TFL and Ballymore joint venture to develop Edgware Bus Garage, Edgware Bus Station and the Broadwalk Shopping Centre?
Answer: This development first came to my attention last year, when I visited The Broadwalk Centre with MP Matthew Offord and Conservative Edgware councillors on the 21st July and did a walkaround and spoke to residents and businesses. I was shocked to see the size and scale of this proposal and could see the future impact it would have on the residents living and working in Edgware. I was very concerned and worried.
Question 2: What kind and scale of development do you think is appropriate for central Edgware?
Answer: One which fits in with the height of the existing buildings and that respects the architecture and the surrounding history and structures. A development that has thought about in detail how it will impact the daily lives of Edgware residents.
Question 3: How would you support and represent the residents of Edgware if the majority object to the density and design of the development and the change of character and function of their town?
Answer: Edgware has a long proud history. The town centre is popular, busy, diverse and provides extensive shopping, cafés and restaurants and services for communities living in Edgware but also from further afield. I remember my first tour of Edgware visiting St Margarets church and Days Almes Houses, Stonegrove and observing a thriving and proud close-knit community. I would support the residents in their fight to reduce the size and scale of this development and ensure the developers, TFL and council had the Edgware residents’ best interests at heart and had frequent meetings with residents to discuss every stage of this development.
Question 4: No details have been provided so far about how the present covered bus station will be replaced, how it will look or where precisely it will be located or how the bus service will function. We understand that some information will be provided when the outline planning application is made, but full details will only be provided at a later stage. What do you suggest would be appropriate for residents and passengers in terms of consultation and information provided in advance of the outline planning application?
Answer: I feel a meeting should take place with the developers, TFL and the community. Residents will have an opportunity to voice their thoughts, opinions, concerns and ideas. Continued communication is key and the developers and TFL must listen to residents.
Question 5: Do you believe the development should even be given outline planning permission without?
- There being existing and full fire safety protocols and regulations for an integral and core part of the development and the full approval of the London Fire Brigade. (In Edgware’s case, we are referring to the proposed underground electric bus garage, which at present London Fire Brigade have deemed as being not viable).
- Clear and comprehensive information about how the present bus station will be replaced.
Answer: There should be full fire safety protocols. As a former A&E nurse who has worked with the Fire Brigade and looked after victims of fires, this is mandatory. As a London Assembly candidate working closely with LFB this is mandatory.
Residents need to understand how the present bus station will be replaced before permission is granted.
Question 6: Barnet’s Draft Local Plan (reg 19) permits the building of 2,317 housing units on ‘site 28’. Site 28 includes:
- Edgware Station, platforms, railway tracks & sidings
- Deans Brook, A grade II listed nature conservation area
- The existing bus station and bus garage.
The area that is available for actual building development is 2.621 hectares. Site 28 would become one of the densest populated areas in the UK. Do you feel that the high density and the scale of proposed buildings would be in line with Edgware’s character and appropriate for the area?
Answer: Absolutely not.
