Density is Too High (From Times Series)

Density is Too High

12:05pm Tuesday 8th June 2010

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Barnet Council has a development plan for new developments in the borough, which is currently called the ‘Unitary Development Plan’. This will soon be replaced by the ‘Local Development Framework’ (LDF). The LDF proposes where new building will take place and proposes increased density housing along main routes such as the A.1000.

As a London borough, Barnet is guided on acceptable density for new housing by the London Plan, which considers density based on ‘Public Transport Accessibility Levels (PTAL). The final decisions on what is allowed rests with the local planning authority, in our case, Barnet Council.

While we can accept that there will be some variation from the PTAL Density ratings given by the GLA, Barnet Council officers are proposing acceptance for planning applications for flatted developments more than two times higher than those set by the London Plan.

This is of particular concern to the Society and local residents surrounding the sites at North Finchley where two large proposals for high-density flatted development have been made. On this part of the A.1000 the old Furnitureland building and Police Depot at 931 High Road propose buildings up to six storeys. If allowed, this will cause a ‘canyon effect’ along the A.1000.

The London Plan suggests areas for intensified use, “Urban Dense development, with a mix of different uses and buildings of three to four storeys, such as town centres, along main arterial routes and substantial parts of inner London.” Compared to the three to four storey limit given here, Barnet’s officers are suggesting acceptance of proposals for five to six storeys. This is not wanted by residents and would damage the character of the area.

Officers claim that both sites are ‘urban’ due to their High Road frontage. The majority of both sites goes back in to suburban housing, particularly 931 High Road, so are in fact mainly ‘suburban’.

Councillors against officers’ advice refused previous applications for both Police Depot and Furnitureland at Committee. Traffic congestion is a regular event at North Finchley. Surely it does not make sense to allow ‘canyon effect’ along the A.1000 with even more traffic congestion that must inevitably follow?