An MP has warned there are “serious issues” with Barnet Council’s plan to redevelop a range of sites near a university campus.

Hendon MP Matthew Offord shared his concerns over the council-led Hendon Hub project – designed to provide student homes and facilities for Middlesex University – in a post titled “Save Historic Hendon”.

A proposal to redevelop the sites in The Burroughs, Hendon, was revealed at a meeting of the council’s policy and resources committee in December last year.

In the post, which is available on the MP’s website, Matthew said: “As a local resident of Hendon, I share the many concerns about the proposals for Hendon Hub.

“I have submitted my response to Barnet Council’s consultation in which I have highlighted serious issues about the scale of the proposals, loss of community facilities, change to heritage buildings, loss of parking and, most significantly, the impact an enlarged university will have on Hendon.”

Matthew warned the council’s “vision” for the development contained only passing references to residents, who he believes are being “sidelined in favour of the university”.

He added: “I have serious reservations about the scale of these proposals in what is essentially a residential area, parts of which are designated conservation areas.

“It is also the historic heart of Hendon, which is reflected in many of the buildings, particularly St Mary’s Church, properties in The Burroughs and Burroughs Gardens and the library building.

“I believe the height and design of the buildings proposed for The Burroughs are out of keeping with the historic environment.”

Matthew said he shared the “genuine dismay and upset” at the loss of the Grade 2-listed Hendon Library building to the university, adding he was “unclear as to why the current library space could not be redesigned and updated to accommodate everything being proposed for a new library”.

He also said he shared residents’ views that loss of parking was not acceptable and raised concerns over the environmental impact of the proposals.

While the MP said there was “little doubt that the need exists to replace the outdated buildings like those on the Ravensfield/Fenella site”, he claimed the current proposals were “university orientated and will do nothing to enhance or blend with the historic nature of the area”.

A public consultation on the Hendon Hub proposals closed earlier this month. The development team is reviewing the feedback and plans to submit an application later in the summer.

A Middlesex University spokesperson said: “Middlesex University thanks everyone who provided feedback on the Hendon Hub proposals.

“We are committed to working in collaboration with local residents and making sure Middlesex has a positive impact on its local area.”

A Barnet Council spokesperson said: “The London Borough of Barnet has received Mathew Offord MP’s feedback to the Hendon Hub proposals, along with that of all those who have responded to public consultation.

“We would like to thank everyone who has taken part in the Hendon Hub public consultation and provided feedback on the draft proposals. Our aim is to help residents and students to thrive, delivering facilities and amenities that everyone can benefit from. The project will dramatically improve the look and feel of The Burroughs, creating a pleasant environment that is accessible and able to be used by everyone in Hendon.

 “The project team have already identified a number of potential changes to be made to the proposals in light of the feedback received, including a reduction in the overall amount of new student accommodation proposed, and the removal of some sites [including car parks on The Burroughs] from the proposals.

“Heritage and conservation are also topics that the project team have carefully considered, and the refined proposals will protect and enhance the character of the area.”