Residents of Edgware are set to rally on 22 September, voicing strong opposition to proposed high-rise development, which they say will have devastating effects on the community.
The rally will take place at the Park Grove entrance to Stonegrove Park, as the community gathers to protest plans that include towers up to 29 storeys high, replacing infrastructure and raising concerns about the future of the suburb.
The proposed development by Ballymore would see the demolition of key local assets, including the Broadwalk Shopping Centre and Edgware Bus Station.
Edgware Bus StationLocal residents fear the changes will lead to overcrowding, decreased accessibility, and increased traffic congestion, particularly impacting the elderly and disabled.
Key points of contention include the complete removal of commuter parking, a 70% reduction in public parking spaces, and the relocation of bus services.
Critics argue that these changes will cripple Edgware’s retail sector, make it harder for residents and visitors to access shops and services, and create a surge in population without the infrastructure to support it.
Residents are also concerned about fire safety, as the London Fire Brigade has warned about the risks associated with an underground electric bus-charging garage.
Speaking in Parliament, Bob Blackman MP said, “The one thing about this that is most important, is the proposal to build the bus garage for 100 buses under a 29 story tower block. Given the fires that take place, and these will be electric buses, given the fires that have taken place on electric buses already, we can’t think of what the consequences could be.”
Anuta Zack, a spokesperson for the campaign group Save Our Edgware, said: “This isn’t just about the tower blocks, it’s about Edgware continuing to function as a suburb that works for both new and existing residents and the thousands of people nearby, who use Edgware for shops, banks, restaurants and for access to public transport. We are especially concerned about the impact on elderly and disabled people.”
She added: “We urge Barnet Council to reject this flawed application and ask the developers to constructively engage with the community, listen to their concerns, and address them meaningfully before submitting a revised proposal.”
Barnet Council has already been inundated with thousands of objections, say organisers of the rally. Zack added that there have been issues with the planning portal, with many objections submitted by email yet to be uploaded. “It seems that the Council has been overwhelmed,” she said.
The rally, set to take place on Sunday, is expected to draw significant crowds from the local community.
A spokesperson for the development said: “We are proud of our proposals for Edgware Town Centre. The project would deliver 3,365 new homes (including 1,150 affordable homes) and 460 student accommodation spaces at a time when London needs new housing more than ever.
“In addition, it would create nearly 1,500 new full-time local jobs, generating circa £3 million annually in spending within the local area, and an increased GVA of circa £80 million annually, with a total of £1.7billion invested in Edgware Town Centre over a 10-year period,
“The safety of our residents and all users of our developments is of paramount importance to us. The bus garage will not be operational until 2030 at the earliest and we are clear that no electric vehicles will be permitted unless the design has been approved by the London Fire Brigade, Barnet Council, the Health & Safety Executive and Building Control. We continue to work closely with relevant authorities, battery and bus manufacturers to ensure the proposal is designed and built to the highest fire safety standards.
“The outline planning application includes a wide range of supporting infrastructure. The new bus interchange will improve connectivity and user experience by providing new covered waiting areas with seating much closer to the entrance to the Underground station, as well as new pick up and drop off points.
“Our proposals safeguard 20,000 sq ft of new space for health and wellbeing infrastructure, which could be used for GPs, dentists, or a health hub. We are also providing 460,000 sq ft of new flexible commercial and retail floorspace, more than double the existing provision, including food and beverage, a cinema, a leisure centre, gym and pool and a new flexible community library.
“Over the last few years, we have consulted key stakeholders and met more than 3,300 members of the local community. These conversations have fundamentally shaped our scheme, and we look forward to continuing these discussions as we progress through the planning process.”
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
Harrow Online reaches hundreds of thousands of readers each month and has a social media audience of more than 200,000 followers.
For news tips, press releases or enquiries, contact Chris at info@harrowonline.org.
