Controversial proposals will see 2,000 homes built near reservoir

Brent & Kilburn Times: An artists impression of the proposed developmentAn artists impression of the proposed development (Image: Archant)

Residents and councillors have presented an 800 strong petition to council officials expressing their opposition to plans to build more than 2,000 homes on the Welsh Harp reservoir.

A petition signed by more than 850 residents was presented to Barnet Council at Hendon Town Hall yesterday. The plans, submitted by Barratt Metropolitan LLP, have created considerable controversy among residents in both Barnet and neighbouring Brent who fear the addition of the new homes, some of which could be more than 20 stories high, will spoil the landscape of the reservoir.

Barnet Council’s planning committee will vote on whether or not to give the scheme the green light in the summer.

Commenting on the petition, Martin Francis, a member of the Green Party in Brent, said: “In collecting the signatures we found there are real deep concerns about future of the area if this development goes ahead.

“I was at the reservoir at the weekend and met walkers, cyclists and families who were unaware of the plans but showed real consternation when we explained to them what was proposed.

“They were amazed that such development could be contemplated when it was pointed out that landscape could be changed.”

A Barratt Metropolitan LLP spokesman said they shared campaigners’ wish to preserve and maintain the reservoir and its wildlife and that a full environmental impact assessment had been submitted to Barnet Council.

The deadline for submissions against the scheme is today.