Major plans have been submitted to redevelop land around the historic Railway Hotel in Edgware, with more than 760 homes and co-living units proposed across buildings reaching up to 26 storeys.
The application, submitted by Edgware Limited, covers the Railway Hotel and Forumside site off Station Road.
It proposes 523 residential flats alongside 244 co-living studios in five new buildings ranging from eight to 26 storeys. Around 1,200sqm of new commercial space, new public areas and landscaping are also included.
The Grade II listed Railway Hotel would be restored and brought back into use as a pub with an expanded food offer. Its upper floor would also provide space for entertainment and cultural events.
The building dates from 1931-32 and was designed by architect A.E. Sewell for Truman Hanbury Buxton. It was Grade II listed in 2003 and has suffered significant fire damage.
New park and largely car-free development
Plans include around 6,500sqm of publicly accessible space, including a new linear green space called Fairfield Park and Railway Gardens.
The development is intended to be largely car-free, except for Blue Badge parking, with residents encouraged to walk, cycle and use public transport. Documents submitted with the application propose 1,060 long-stay and 58 short-stay cycle spaces.
Of the 523 conventional homes, 42% would be studios or one-bedroom properties, 45% would have two bedrooms and 13% would have three bedrooms. The developer is currently targeting 20% affordable housing, although the final amount has not yet been fixed and is dependent on viability, grant funding and potential CIL relief.
Concerns raised over height and density
The proposals have already been through two rounds of public consultation.
While there was considerable support for restoring the Railway Hotel, concerns were raised about the height and density of the wider development, along with pressure on roads, parking, healthcare, schools and other local services.
During the second consultation, 33.4% of respondents supported the overall proposals, while 57.25% objected and 9.5% were neutral. That stage received 24 responses through social media, the project website and paper forms.
The developers said lower-rise options had been explored but argued they would not make a comprehensive redevelopment of the site financially deliverable.
The application was validated by Barnet Council on 13 August and is currently listed as pending consideration.
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