Plans to redevelop Edgware town centre, including the demolition of Edgware Bus Station, are set to move forward after the Mayor of London decided not to intervene.
The decision means Barnet Council can proceed with granting outline planning permission for a major scheme led by Ballymore and Places for London, which would deliver 3,828 homes in towers of up to 29 storeys.
In a letter dated 30 March 2026, Deputy Mayor for Planning Jules Pipe confirmed that the Greater London Authority (GLA) would not block or take over the application, stating there was “no basis to intervene”.
The proposals include replacing the existing bus station, shopping centre and bus garage with new housing and a redesigned transport layout. Instead of a traditional bus station, plans show a series of on-street bus stops along nearby roads, alongside a new underground electric bus garage.
The scheme has attracted significant opposition. More than 7,000 objections were submitted to Barnet Council, alongside over 1,400 responses through the GLA planning portal. A separate petition calling for safeguards around the bus station has also gathered more than 3,000 signatures.
Concerns have been raised about how the changes could affect transport connections. According to planning documents, walking distances between buses and the Tube could increase, and some passengers may need to cross busier roads compared to the current layout.
Edgware is a key transport hub and the northern terminus of the Northern line, with around 23,000 bus passengers using the area daily.
Fire safety has also been highlighted as an issue during the planning process. The London Fire Brigade previously raised concerns about the proposed underground electric bus garage, noting that risks linked to this type of structure are still being understood.
Campaign group Save Our Edgware has been opposing the plans and is now considering legal action.
Anuta Zack, speaking for Save Our Edgware, said: “The Mayor has walked away from his responsibility to protect London’s transport infrastructure and the safety of the people who depend on it. Over 3,000 people signed our petition. More than 1,400 wrote to the GLA planning portal directly. The London Fire Brigade itself said it does not know whether this underground garage can ever be made safe. The Mayor read all of this and decided it was not enough to act. That is a failure of the people of Edgware.”
A formal decision notice from Barnet Council is expected shortly, which would begin the process for any potential legal challenge.
Harrow Online have approached the council for comments.
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.
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