Another Tower Block for West Hampstead & Finchley Rd
Labour-run Camden Council have scrapped the system of alerting residents by letter when a planning application is submitted nearby. Starting from 1st October 2016, you will no longer automatically be informed by the Council when new developments are proposed near your home. The Conservatives opposed this cut, as it reduces the ability of the public to exercise their legal right to object to developments that could negatively affect them.
Many local residents are already unaware of plans to demolish the four-storey pub site on 317 Finchley Road and replace in with a ten-storey building that will tower over the surrounding properties.
Developers previously obtained permission to increase the building to six storeys, but then sold the site to the current owners, who have applied for a further four.
West Hampstead Conservative activist David Brescia said: “It is a routine tactic for property developers to add one or two extra storeys to their application initially, just so that when everyone objects they can sacrifice these floors and claim they have listened to public opinion. It is likely that Linea Homes is asking for ten storeys here, in the hope of getting away with eight. Of course, if nobody objects, they might get all ten!”
• West Hampstead was designated an ‘Area of Intensification’ in the London Plan by Ken Livingston. As a result, Labour has been pushing forward with plans to pack as many as 2,000 additional homes into West Hampstead over the coming decade – in addition to the 11,000 already here.
• In spite of a potential 20% increase in the local population, two local GP practices recently closed and there are no current plans to open more. Local Conservatives have raised concerns that an increasing population will also put extra pressure on schools and transport.
• A survey in 2012 found that 75% of local residents did not want more high-rise buildings. Despite this, Camden’s Labour councillors have voted to approve eight high-rise tower blocks in West Hampstead since then, and others are being considered.
• In July 2015, local residents took part in a legally binding referendum in West Hampstead & Fortune Green. 92% voted in favour of a Neighbourhood Plan forbidding Camden Council from approving new buildings in our area that fail to respect the height and distinct historic character of the surrounding properties. In spite of this, Camden’s planning officer has now recommended this 10-storey tower block for approval.
• Residents who want to keep informed of new developments should subscribe to email alerts Click here
• Remember that planning committee meetings, where Camden councillors vote on planning applications, are open to the public. Details of upcoming meetings can be found on the Camden Council website.
If you would like to contact us about this, or any other issues facing our area please contact one of us - We are here to help!
David Brescia 07590 049 435 [email protected]
Ian Cohen 07973 869 117 [email protected]
Nick Grierson 07747 697599 [email protected]
Andrew Parkinson 07576 029 656 [email protected]