Town Centre
Masterplan
Overview
This will demolish most of the area around the Tally Ho triangle, constructing blocks of flats from 6 to 21 storeys and new shops. Ballards Lane around Tally Ho will be pedestrianised and the High Road made two-way. The scheme is highly objectionable.
Why the scheme is unacceptable
Far too tall and massive
The buildings will dominate the narrow roads. This is a development for a derelict city centre, not a lively suburb.
Heritage destroyed
Regeneration and growth are needed, not wholesale demolition. North Finchley is a good example of the suburban town centres that make London special.
A divided community
A rich patchwork of people and incomes would be squashed by a bland development where they can afford neither homes nor business premises.
Landmarks lost
The SeaRock corner terrace and the Grand Arcade — both listed by the council as having heritage value — would be demolished.
The wrong homes
855 new homes but 200 demolished: a net gain of about 650. 90% are 1–2 bed flats, and only 20% “affordable” against a 35% minimum. No social housing.
Offices and jobs gone
Most town centre offices would be demolished and not replaced, turning a town centre into a residential estate.
Residents displaced
About 200 households will lose their homes and won’t be able to afford the new flats. There is no clear plan to keep them in the area.
Businesses priced out
Many local businesses will lose premises and won’t afford the new space. Provision is needed to protect employment and diversity.
Too little open space
The “public square” is tiny and ringed by 11–21 storey buildings — in shadow most of the day.
Worse wind
Very tall buildings will almost certainly worsen the area’s already serious wind problems, with no assurance outdoor spaces will be usable.
Transport not thought through
Buses through a part-pedestrianised Ballards Lane, a two-way High Road, Nether Street’s closure, Tube links and parking all lack proper assessment.
More information
See the developer’s own proposals on the Regal website.