Barnet’s Conservatives forced through yet another tower block at last night’s Planning Committee B (30 March), this time a 9-storey block for up to 22 flats at 38-44 Ballards Lane in West Finchley ward, where surrounding buildings are only 3 storeys. The planning application provides NO affordable homes.

Only Labour councillors on the Committee opposed the development, with Labour West Finchley councillor, Ross Houston, attending to support residents by speaking against the planning application.

The Liberal Democrats failed to show-up and support residents.

Residents have called the proposed scheme a ‘monster’ and supplied CGI images showing the blight it will cause on a mostly low-medium rise high street.

Barnet Labour have pledged to stand-up to developers against tower block blight with key pledges to make local planning policy on height and density more robust, to bring the planning service back-in house so the Council has direct control, and to develop a low-medium rise model of housing to try and stop the proliferation of tower blocks.

Barnet Labour Deputy Leader and spokesperson on Housing and Growth, Cllr Ross Houston said: “I am very disappointed that Conservative councillors forced through a 9-storey block of flats in the heart of Finchley Central just weeks before the local elections. I spoke at committee to oppose this, and only Labour councillors voted against. No Conservative or Lib Dem councillors spoke to oppose this proposal.

“This decision sets an appalling precedent for height, scale and bulk at Finchley Central, in an area with only 3 storey buildings. Astonishingly there is no affordable housing, just the promise of a £10k contribution for town centre improvements, which is laughable.

“This development was not supported by the Council’s own town team as it drives a coach and horses through the plans to regenerate Finchley Square. Another example of Barnet Conservatives not standing up to developers – they say one thing and do another!”

Ends.
Notes:
1. A copy of the Ballards Lane scheme can be found here: https://barnet.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s72156/38-44%20Ballards%20Lane%20London%20N3%202BJ%20-%20214977FUL%20-%20West%20Finchley.pdf
2. A copy of Barnet Labour’s manifesto can be found here: https://www.barnetlabour.org.uk/manifesto/quality-homes/

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