Coordinating West Hampstead planning?
Last week, the Fordwych Residents Association discussed concerns about the number of large developments being proposed in the area. James Earl, vice-chair, told me that the meeting came up with this list of 10 developments that have been recently built, are under construction, or have been proposed:
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NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN WEST HAMPSTEAD & FORTUNE GREEN
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| Sager development (FortuneGreen ) | Residential block – built |
| Mill Lane | Residential block – under construction |
| Maygrove Road | One Housing Group/residential block – under construction |
| Handrail House (+car park), 65 Maygrove Road | Possible demolition & new residential block |
| Liddell Road | Proposed new school [pdf p39] & possible residential development |
| Iverson Road (old garden centre) | Likely development of hotel or flats |
| 156 West End Lane (council building) | Likely demolition & new residential development [pdf p38] |
| Blackburn Road | 9 storey student block approved & to be built |
| 187 West End Lane | Proposed 9-11 storey residential development |
| O2 Centre car park | Possible future housing development |
The meeting concluded that there seemed to be no over-arching plan to deal with these developments, which are all very close to each other, and which have the potential to change the character of West Hampstead and Fortune Green for ever.
At the recent placeshaping events, residents have expressed a desire to preserve the ‘village’ feel of the area; to reduce traffic and to create more green/open spaces. These developments, argue the residents association, appear to be focused on the complete opposite.
The FRA is proposing that a coalition of local residents associations use the powers of the Localism Bill (now going through Parliament) to create a “Neighbourhood Development Plan” for West Hampstead and Fortune Green. It is proposing that this issue to be on the agenda of the next Area Action Forum – with the aim of having a draft document in place by the end of the year.
I think that it is great that people are keen to get so involved in planning, although from the tone of the post it would appear likely that the "Neighbourhood Development Plan" proposed by the FRA may just say "No Development"!
That would be a shame and a wasted opportunity for constructive engagement.
Toby
Developments in the area need to be controlled. This is to retain the natural flow.
The plans are pretty impressive. The community should expect a lot of construction in the coming years. The contractor should also take into consideration the safety of the people.
construction consulting