Barnet Conservatives have condemned Labour’s decision to push through major developments on High Barnet Station and Finchley Lido, calling it a “kick in the teeth” to residents who have strongly expressed concerns about overdevelopment, infrastructure pressures, and the erosion of Barnet’s suburban character. 10,657 residents petitoned against the Finchley Lido and 2,654 petitioned against the High Barnet Station development.
The decision comes amid growing concern over the Government’s plans to weaken local democratic oversight of planning by taking certain decisions out of the hands of locally elected councillors.
Conservatives say the combination of Labour-led overdevelopment in Barnet and central government attempts to sideline councillors represents a serious threat to local democracy and residents’ having a voice.
Cllr Peter Zinkin, Leader of the Barnet Conservative Group said:
“This decision is a kick in the teeth to local residents who have made their concerns crystal clear. Time and again, communities across Barnet have raised legitimate objections about overdevelopment, pressure on roads, GP surgeries, school places, parking, and the loss of local character - yet Barnet Labour, who promised no more tower block blight, have failed to persuade their Labour colleagues at the GLA accordingly.”
“To make matters worse, Labour nationally is now seeking to strip powers away from councillors on planning matters. Local people elect councillors to stand up for their communities, not to be bypassed by Whitehall or ignored by London’s Labour Mayor.”
“Barnet is not opposed to sensible development, but development must be accompanied by the infrastructure residents need and must respect the character of our borough. Building over our precious Green Belt and forcing through schemes without listening to residents is completely unacceptable.”
Barnet Conservatives also renewed calls for reform of the borough’s Quality Review Panel (QRP), arguing that it must better reflect the views and priorities of residents who want to preserve Barnet’s suburban and green character.
The group says the panel should include stronger representation from those committed to protecting the borough’s Green Belt, maintaining local heritage, and ensuring development is sympathetic to existing communities not headed by those who wish to do the opposite.
A spokesman added:
“Barnet Labour’s QRP needs change. Residents deserve a panel that reflects the people who live here - including those who believe in protecting our Green Belt, preserving the unique character of our neighbourhoods, and ensuring development is proportionate and appropriate. In our manifesto we pushed for better resident group engagement in early planning stages by creating Residential Development Management Plans. Labour should do the right thing and implement this”
“Residents will not forget this. When the time comes to vote again, people will remember who stood with them - and who ignored them.”