Chipping Barnet MP, Theresa Villiers, has welcomed the decision by the planning inspectorate to reject the proposal for thirteen new blocks of flats on the old gasworks site in Albert Road in New Barnet.
Following a public inquiry held at Hendon Town Hall earlier this summer, planning inspector, John Wilde, concluded that the proposal for 539 flats in blocks of up to seven storeys was inconsistent with planning rules which protect the character of neighbourhoods and the living conditions of future residents. Theresa Villiers addressed the inquiry to set out her strong objection to the plans.
Speaking after news of the inspector had decided to back Barnet Council’s decision on the new flats, Theresa said “This would have been a major overdevelopment of a low-rise suburban neighbourhood. I am really pleased that the inspector has recognised this.”
“He is also right to conclude that the Mayor’s London Plan does not mean that Barnet’s planning rules can be ignored.”
“For the last fourteen years, I have been involved in the debate on the future of the old gasworks site. I have stood shoulder to shoulder with my constituents ever since then in seeking a sensible compromise. I support the idea of building new homes at Victoria Quarter but this latest plan was badly designed and would have damaged the local environment. These large seven storey blocks would have loomed over Victoria Recreation Ground.”
“Planning consent was given in 2017 for a scheme to build new homes at Victoria Quarter. The developers should build out that proposal. If they had got on with it when they received their planning permission, families could be living there now.”
“I congratulate Save New Barnet and the New Barnet Community Association for their work to secure this latest victory. They provided a detailed set of objections which have swayed the inspector. I also want to pay tribute to former councillors Felix Byers and Nicole Richer for their determined campaign against these damaging building plans.”
