One MP calls for “one last push” to stop a developer’s plan to build on farmland after appealing a planning refusal.
Chipping Barnet MP Theresa Villiers urged residents to share their views as part of a public inquiry into the 152 house project planned for the fields of the Whalebones Estate in High Barnet.
A Barnet Council planning committee rejected the plans in November last year, and London Mayor Sadiq Khan authorized the decision.
But developer Hill Residential has appealed the decision to the Government Planning Inspectorate – and residents only have until Friday, June 18 to give their opinion on the project under investigation.
Ms Villiers said: “Time is running out to save Whalebones, and I urge residents who want to prevent the construction of these green fields to have their say. We need a final push if this demand for planning is to be overcome. ”
The MP encourages residents to read an article on her website explaining some of the planning reasons for opposing it: https://www.theresavilliers.co.uk/news/call-action-save-whalebones-again
It includes claims that the proposal amounts to a “serious violation of the conservation area policy” and runs counter to a Barnet planning policy which states that development should preserve or enhance local character.
“We must do everything to ensure that our opposition is expressed effectively and in numbers,” added Ms. Villiers.
Residents can share their views in the following ways:
- Online at gov.uk/appeal-planning-inspectorate
- By e-mail to dutton@planninginspectorate.gov.uk
- By mail to The Planning Inspectorate, 3 / N Kite Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN.
Respondents should provide their name, postal address and appeal reference number: APP / N5090 / W / 21/3273189.
A spokesperson for Hill said the proposed project would provide energy efficient housing to the local community, 40% of which is affordable housing, and provide more than 2.2 hectares of green, open and community public space on land on which there is currently no right of public access.
The spokesperson added: “Extensive landscaping, including more than 190 new trees, and approximately 850 meters of new hedge and the creation of ponds, will significantly improve the existing biodiversity of the site. In consultation with the London Wildlife Trust, we have also included nesting boxes for owls, birds and bats in the proposal.
“Pedestrian and bicycle links will be created throughout the development, with crossings on Wellhouse Lane and Wood Street, to ensure better connectivity between existing communities and Barnet Hospital. Hospital staff, visitors and patients, as well as the local community, will enjoy a new “Healing Garden” which will provide a green and peaceful environment.
“Plans also include a new custom-designed studio for the Barnet Guild of Artists Charity and the Barnet Beekeepers Association. ”
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Source: www.times-series.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-06-15 12:50:55
