Edgware residents have broken the Barnet record for the most objections to a planning proposal amid safety concerns raised by London Fire Brigade.
Over 5,500 objections were received by Barnet Council, surpassing the previous highest total of around 2,500.
It comes as London Fire Brigade (LFB) raised concerns over proposals included in the plans to house electric buses under several tower blocks.
Community activist Anuta Zack said: “The safest way to deal with an electric fire is to let it burn out.
“They want to put 190 electric buses underground, that’s not feasible.”
LFB said in a report that the potential number of electric buses posed risks which were not fully understood by the industry, though did not call the planned development inherently unsafe.
It warned general guidance may be inadequate in protecting the planned tower blocks from collapsing in the event of a fire in the bus garage.
Developer Ballymore said the details of the bus garage would be developed as part of the planning process and that no vehicles would be housed there without official approval.
Zack, a co-founder of the community activism group Save Our Edgware, said: “We all want investment in Edgware.
“I have adult children and I wouldn’t mind getting rid of them.”
But she said the plans would not improve Edgware’s current makeup.
She also alleged that a Ballymore representative had called her a conspiracy theorist for raising concerns over the plans.
Zack added: “I ask questions and they don’t give me straight answers.”
The alleged comments were made during a consultation meeting with other stakeholders in the development.
A Ballymore spokesperson said: “We understand there will always be a range of opinions and while we appreciate there are objections, we have been really encouraged by the significant levels of support alongside this.
“Independent local sentiment polling indicates 70% of those polled thought the plans will have a positive impact on Edgware.
“The thousands of conversations we’ve had over the last four years have fundamentally shaped our scheme and we look forward to continuing these discussions.”
Under its plans, the area will be split into 27 blocks, most of which will be taller than five stories, including a 29-storey tower.
The plans would create more than 3,000 homes alongside shops and commercial units.
However, it was reported that the proposed development would see a dramatic reduction in public parking spaces, from 1,235 bays to 292.
Critics argue that this would negatively impact shoppers, commuters, and local workers, particularly those with limited mobility.
In addition, Save Our Edgware said the Redhill Clinic, a mental health facility, will be demolished as part of the plans.
They added there are no provisions to replace its capacity in the proposed redevelopment.
Save Our Edgware said: “This unprecedented volume of opposition reflects widespread community concerns over the drastic and potentially damaging changes planned for the heart of Edgware.”
The group delivered the objections to Barnet Council in person at the end of September.
A Ballymore spokesperson said the project would see £1.7billion invested in Edgware Town Centre over a ten-year period and deliver 3,365 new homes, including 1,150 affordable homes, and 460 student accommodation spaces.
The spokesperson added it would create nearly 1,500 new full-time local jobs, generating around £3 million annually in spending within the local area, and an increased gross value added of around £80 million annually.
Regarding concerns over the clinic and parking, Ballymore’s spokesperson said: “Engagement regarding the replacement of the Redhill Clinic is detailed in the Health Impact Assessment submitted as part of the planning application.
“The Local NHS Trusts have also noted the early engagement by the developer as part of this ongoing process.
“The 20,000 square foot safeguarded in the scheme for medical uses includes an allocation for re-provision of the Redhill whilst discussions are ongoing.
“The planning application also details proposals that the initial public parking provision would be 380 (not 292), while noting this may be subject to change over time dependent on residential blue badge demand.”
Image: Solly Abraham
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