More than 5,500 objections have been lodged against a plan to build dozens of new tower blocks in Edgware, campaigners have said.
Developer Ballymore wants to demolish Broadwalk Shopping Centre and car park, as well as Edgware bus station, to make way for new housing.
Under current plans, the area is split into 27 building plots, with 26 more than six storeys high and one 29-storey tower.
In total, more than 3,000 homes would be created, as well as 460 student rooms, with shops and commercial units at the ground and first floors in some areas.
Campaigners have urged Barnet Council to reject the "flawed" proposals, claiming they are “out of touch” with the needs of the community.
According to ‘Save Our Edgware’, more than 5,500 objections have now been lodged against the £1.7 billion development, which is expected to take a decade to complete.
A Greater London Authority report states that the application does not currently comply with the ‘London Plan’, the capital’s planning blueprint.
Concerns include the location of the replacement bus station leading to an increase in walking times from the Tube station, as well as the removal of general car parking.
Surface level car parking spaces would be reduced from more than 1,000 to a maximum of 764 spaces.
Campaigners have also warned that the replacement of the shopping centre with shopping streets will impact elderly shoppers, who rely on the indoor mall for “warmth and social interaction”.
They have also raised concerns that the plan will significantly increase population density in the area, putting pressure on transport infrastructure and schools.
Campaigner Anuta Zack said: “This development is not just a threat to the character of Edgware; it poses real safety risks to the people who live and work here.
“We’re calling on Ballymore to withdraw its current plans and work with the community to develop a solution that respects Edgware’s character and infrastructure.”
A spokesperson for the development said that it would create nearly 1,500 new full-time jobs, generating around £3 million annually in spending within the area.
They claimed local sentiment polling has shown a majority of people believe the plans will have a positive impact on Edgware.
The spokesperson added: “The thousands of conversations we’ve had over the past four years have fundamentally shaped our scheme and we look forward to continuing these discussions as we progress through the planning process.”
Full details of the plans can be found on Barnet Council’s planning portal under reference 24/2686/OUT.
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