On the final day of the public consultation on whether to build over woodland in Christchurch Lane in Chipping Barnet, Theresa Villiers has urged residents to send in objections to Barnet Council.
"This is an important nature habitat. Losing it will damage biodiversity and quality of life for local residents. This is the kind of site which London and Barnet planning policies are supposed to protect. Over 2000 signatures have been added to the petition to save this Chipping Barnet Woodland."
"Today is the last chance to have your say. Please send your views to Barnet Council."
Information on how to do that can be found here on the website of the campaign group "Save Chipping Barnet Woodland". Please remember to include the planning reference number in your objection: 26/0116/FUL.
Theresa has sent this letter to Barnet Council opposing the planning application
Objection to planning application 26/0116/FUL: Land Opposite 15 Sunset View Barnet, EN5 4LB
Demolition of the existing garage and erection of an new two storey dwelling with rooms in the roofspace. Associated landscaping, off street parking and refuse/recycling storage
I am submitting this objection in my capacity as a Barnet resident and as someone who represented the area for 19 years as its MP, with involvement in many matters relating to planning, building, and conservation.
I oppose this planning application. It conflicts with both Barnet Council's adopted planning policies and its commitment to sustainability, biodiversity, and community wellbeing.
Loss of nature and habitats
The loss of wildlife habitat which would occur if the development goes ahead will do permanent damage to nature conservation and habitats, and to the quality of life of residents.
It would involve the loss of an irreplaceable, long-established area of mixed natural woodland within the Monken Hadley Conservation Area. The site is located on a popular route for running, walking, and exercising dogs; and makes an important contribution to the local landscape and character.
Residents living near the site tell me that a diverse range of species live in and traverse through the habitat. Wildlife cameras placed in the wood have captured their images, including deer, badgers, hedgehogs, mice and foxes, in addition to birds inhabiting the leaf canopy and the bats roosting in neighbouring properties utilising the dark corridors the woodland provides.
The site functions as an important natural and undisturbed wildlife habitat and corridor linking Hadley Green and Old Fold Manor Golf Course. The disruption of the woodland would fragment habitats. This contravenes the purpose of London Plan green infrastructure policies, which require development to protect and enhance biodiversity and ecological networks.
Allowing development in this location would violate London and Barnet planning policies which protect biodiversity and ecology. The problems with the development proposed are worsened by the lack of a long-term management plan for ecology of the site as a whole.
Harm to Monken Hadley Conservation Area
The development proposed will negatively impact on the Monken Hadley Conservation Area (MHCA), and the heritage views the area is designed to protect.
The designs do not meet high environmental standards. The house is overlarge and out of keeping with this part of the MHCA (area 3 of the MHCA character appraisal, Hadley Green West and Hadley Green Road). It would be visually overbearing and inconsistent with the character of surrounding properties which are much smaller than the luxury home proposed.
Public benefit
Except for one additional (but not 'affordable') home, there is no public benefit. Over 2000 signatures have been added to the petition to save this important woodland area.
I would urge planning officers and the planning committee to reject the application.
Kind regards
