By David Howard,
As members of the Coalition FOR a Sustainable Brent Cross and Cricklewood the Federation of Residents Associations in Barnet (FORAB) is most concerned that politicians elected to represent residents at Borough, London and National level should have totally disregarded the interests and views of Barnet residents, as well as those of the wider communities in the surrounding Boroughs. The scheme for redeveloping Brent Cross and Cricklewood as currently proposed is planned to take 20 plus years to implement:-
They will lead to the destruction of a stable existing community in Cricklewood and replacement with high density, high- rise “hutches for hobbits”. There will be few family or affordable units
We question the need for another new town centre, as well as doubling the size of Brent Cross. What studies have been done on the impact of Westfields in White City and Westfields Stratford, both of which will be more accessible from tubes and railways? Why are Hammersons (the landlord at Brent Cross) saying that they are proposing to concentrate their investment in France for the next five years? Will only phase one with the doubling in size of the shopping centre (and cars but no additional car parking) plus the incinerator be built and the rest deferred , possibly indefinitely?
The proposals will have a serious impact on the 22 existing town centres in Barnet, as well others in Brent, Camden and further afield. No impartial studies have been carried out on the impact on surrounding town centres. There has not been enough money in shopper’s pockets to keep them all alive in the past, let alone in future if the scheme goes ahead.
There will be 29,000 extra cars a day on the already congested roads. We do not accept the spin doctor’s solution of mode shift. We do not believe that 70% of existing shoppers as well as 70% of new future shoppers will leave their cars at home and travel to Brent Cross on buses. There is no new TfL or Dept for Transport money for upgrading the Northern line which will have to cater for 30,000 more people from the new Colindale developments further up the line. There is no future - proofing built in for an alternative light - rail transport system to serve north west London, including Wembley, Brent Cross, Colindale and Mill Hill.. The new railway station is designed to meet the needs of workers in the new office blocks in phase 5 some 20 years away. Will the offices be built? Will the new jobs be created? Will the new station ever materialize?
We are in favour of more recycling but do not accept that the proposed gasification incinerator is safe, as it will produce harmful nanoparticles which are not covered by current regulations.
The area would benefit from investment, and we regret that there has been no real consultation carried out with the wider community by Barnet Council, which has been blinded by the financial benefits the development will bring to it as the significant land owner in the area. This appears to have led to bias in the planning process. The proposals are contrary to both the Conservative party manifesto for the last election and the joint manifesto with the Lib Dems – “Coalition: our programme for government” which promise a bottom - up approach to planning and redevelopment in future.
The community has much to offer in making the regeneration of Brent Cross and Cricklewood a beacon for sustainable regeneration fit for the 21st century. Why won’t the Council engage in dialogue with the community? What has it to lose? This could be a win - win development, but as proposed at present it is going to be a lose - lose disaster.
The approvals to date are only in outline. There is still time to rethink the proposals at detailed planning stage. Barnet Council, you have a second chance. The community is willing to engage in true partnership. Are you willing to engage with the community?
I am sending this open letter to Councillor Richard Cornelius and the local press as well.
Yours sincerely
David Howard
Chair of FORAB
(Picture at top - Developers image of the Brent Cross Concrete Jungle)
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David Howard is the Chair of FORAB and an active campaigner for a better quality of life for Barnet Residents. Guest blogs are always welcome at the Barnet Eye. Email me via the link in my profile
3 comments:
Excellent comments, well said.
Excellent comments, well said.
I presume that little red thing in the picture is a London bus.
Shows the scale of the thing, doesn't it?
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