An MP warned that there were “serious problems” with the Barnet Council’s plan to redevelop a range of sites near a university campus.
Hendon MP Dr Matthew Offord raised concerns about the council-led Hendon Hub project – designed to provide housing and facilities for students at Middlesex University – in an article titled ‘Save Historic Hendon ”.
A redevelopment proposal for The Burroughs, Hendon sites was revealed at a council policy and resource committee meeting in December of last year.
In the message, available on the MP’s website, Dr Offord said: “As a local resident of Hendon, I share the many concerns about the proposals for the Hendon Hub.
“I submitted my response to the Barnet Council consultation in which I highlighted serious issues regarding the scale of the proposals, the loss of community amenities, the alteration of heritage buildings, the loss of parking and, more importantly, the impact that an expanded university will have on Hendon.
Dr Offord warned that the development council’s “vision” contained only fleeting references to residents, who he said are “sidelined in favor of the university”.
He added: “I have serious reservations about the extent of these proposals in what is essentially a residential area, parts of which are designated as conservation areas.
“It is also the historic heart of Hendon, which is reflected in many buildings, in particular St Mary’s Church, the properties of Burroughs and Burroughs Gardens and the Library building.
“I think the height and design of the buildings proposed for The Burroughs does not match the historic surroundings.”
Dr Offord said he shared the “real dismay and upheaval” at the loss of the Grade II listed Hendon Library building to the university, adding that he “did not know why the current space library could not be redesigned and updated to accommodate everything that was proposed for a new library ”.
He also said he shared the view of residents that the loss of parking was not acceptable and raised concerns about the environmental impact of the proposals.
While the MP said there was “no doubt that the need exists to replace obsolete buildings like those at the Ravensfield / Fenella site,” he said the current proposals were “university-oriented and not will do nothing to enhance or blend in with the historic nature of the area ”.
A public consultation on the Hendon Hub proposals ended earlier this month. The development team is reviewing the comments and plans to submit a request later this summer.
A Middlesex University spokesperson said: “Middlesex University thanks all who provided comments on the Hendon Hub proposals.
“We are committed to working with local residents and making sure Middlesex has a positive impact on their region. ”
Barnet Council has also been approached for comment. The council previously said the proposals “are aimed at delivering significant long-term benefits to the region,” including residents and community groups.
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Source: www.times-series.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-06-18 12:00:00
