A £1.7bn development in Edgware is facing a fierce backlash as it moves through the final stages of approval.
The new Ballymore development, in partnership with Places for London, promises a revamped Edgware, including more than a thousand new affordable homes and nearly 1500 new jobs.
However, residents have raised concerns regarding the safety of a proposed new underground bus station and over-development of Edgware, fearing there is no plan to tackle overcrowding and congestion.
Resident and campaigner for Save our Edgware, Anuta Zack said: “Edgware needs investment, but it needs to match the local needs. I want a system that works.
“I genuinely hand on heart cannot see where my positives are going to come from. The transport system is going to be impacted. I am losing my local shopping centre!”
Zack went on to raise further concerns regarding the safety of the underground bus station which could be a potential fire hazard. She also pointed out the new development does not include any “comparison stores’’ which is an important attraction for the local community who use Broadwalk Shopping Centre frequently.
She added: “You’ve got to prepare for the worst, not hope for the best.”
Business owner Hilary Davidson, who has owned Jersey Fabrics for 35 years with her husband Jamie Davidson, said: “Ballymore and Barnet Council have walked all over us.
“The congestion is going to be appalling. Where are people going to park?”
However, not everyone is against the proposals with some praising the 3,365 new homes, 1,150 of which are slated to be affordable.
Ayesha Philips, who has lived in Barnet for 30 years and has faced housing struggles, praised the affordable housing.
She added: “I think it would help for the people who genuinely need it.”
A Ballymore spokesperson said: “Ballymore has engaged extensively with the local community over almost five years to help shape its proposals for Edgware Town Centre, engaging over 3,300 people and receiving more than 2,600 positive representations for the outline planning application.
“This transformational regeneration development will breathe new life into Edgware’s town centre for residents, businesses and visitors through its £1.7 billion investment over a ten-year period.
“Barnet’s decision to resolve to grant outline planning application is a welcome recognition of the support that exists for the proposals.”
A Places for London spokesperson said: “We are working together to find a solution that enables not only the development scheme but ensures real improvements for the local area.
“As a partnership we have always made clear that we will ensure the design has been approved by the London Fire Brigade, Barnet Council, the Health & Safety Executive and Building Control before any works begin, to ensure it safely delivers for everyone.”
Barnet Council has not yet responded to a request for comment.
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