Threat to part of Barnet's original "Brent Cross, Cricklewood and West Hendon Development Framework" area.

The "Coalition for a Sustainable Brent Cross Cricklewood Development" would like to draw your attention - URGENTLY! - to this threat to part of Barnet's original "Brent Cross, Cricklewood and West Hendon Development Framework" area.

 

(That Framework is the one that estimates over 29,000 extra cars every day in the area, which is what prompted us to promote a possible DLR light-rail solution, east-west across outer north London.)

 

 The northern part of the Framework area, West Hendon, is alongside the Site of Special Scientific Interest, the Welsh Harp.

 

The West Hendon estate needs rebuilding, but project after project has collapsed over the years. The latest one is to include several high-rise blocks of flats, up to 29 storeys, only 20 metres from the edge of the SSSI !

 

Here is an article in the "Barnet Press" this week:

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GXqHD3y27QU/UYz--LnpahI/AAAAAAAAdxE/biIIi_j9C9Y/s1600/2013-05-09+Barnet+Press+Welsh+Harp.jpg

 

This email is to ask you to kindly read the web sitehttp://www.saveourwelshharp.blogspot.co.uk/ 

and to OPPOSE the planning application.

 

You will see the arguments on the web site, including a detailed document in the right-hand column, submitted by Brent Council to Barnet.

 

After reading the detailed case, please use the information there to make a submission to Barnet Council, to OPPOSE the planning application.

 

(Quote the application number, and your name and address, and use whatever arguments you feel are most appropriate.)

 

Consultation closes very shortly - you need to submit your opposition byMonday evening, 13 May, to Barnet Council !

  

ACTION THIS DAY, PLEASE!

 Please forward this email, as much as possible, as quickly as possible!

 

At 9am on Tuesday the Barnet planning department will end the consultation on their West Hendon development plans at Welsh Harp. If you have not already responded to the planning application you can still email your objections toThomas.Wyld@barnet.gov.uk.

 

Here is a pro-forma letter as promised if you want to object. All you have to do is add your name to the letter and send in by email, or you can add your own views. 

 

.Click here for Brent council’s objections.

At 11am on Monday various groups from Brent and Barnet are handing in petitions at Hendon Town Hall.

The local media will be there so we need a good turnout. Join us there and help us make some noise!

Please delete this message before forwarding the letter below

 

 

Dear Mr Wyld,

 

I am writing in response to planning application H/01054/13. I specifically object on the following grounds:

 

1. Tall Buildings

 

The height of the buildings in this planning application is not in fitting with planning rules outlined in Barnet’s core strategy or the Mayor of London’s London Plan.

 

The Barnet Core Strategy

 

The West Hendon development plans would see buildings of up to 29 storeys. The Barnet’s core strategy CS5 designates the proposed site as suitable for buildings 8-20 storeys high, not 29 storeys. 

 

The London Plan

 

Section 7.7e of the London Plan says “The impact of tall buildings proposed in sensitive locations should be given particular consideration.”

 

Section 7.7d says tall buildings must not “affect their surroundings adversely in terms of microclimate, wind turbulence, overshadowing, noise, reflected glare, aviation, navigation and telecommunication interference” and “should not impact on local or strategic views adversely”.

 

Section 7.8e of the London Plan says “New development should make provision for the protection of archaeological resources, landscapes and significant memorials.”

 

2. Nature & Wildlife

 

I am concerned about the impact of this development on the Welsh Harp’s unique wildlife and nature for the following reasons:

 

• The Welsh Harp is home to the country’s largest breeding group of great crested grebe and significant numbers of waterfowl. The plan does not give serious consideration to the impact on its wildlife.
• The proposed buildings would be much closer to the water’s edge than the current development.
• The proposed footbridges crossing the reservoir and SSSI are likely to cause disturbance to the wildlife by users.
• The impact of the development on bats caused by the felling of trees as well as the additional lighting from the development.

 

 

3. Infrastructure

 

The building of 2,000 properties would require significant enhancements to infrastructure to cope with demand.

 

1. Health services – GP services are already stretched to the limit. The plan makes no mention of additional health services to meet the needs of the increased population.
2. Schools – One additional 2 form primary school as mentioned in the plan will not be adequate to deal with the education needs of this many people.
3. Roads – The transport infrastructure will struggle to cope; the substantial volume of extra traffic could bring Cool Oak Lane to a daily standstill.

 

Sincerely,

 

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