The scheme would see four residential blocks built on the car park at High Barnet Station, reports Grace Howarth, Local Democracy Reporter

The plans by Places for London for the car park at High Barnet Station

Plans to build 300 homes next to High Barnet Station have been unveiled as residents raise concerns over the loss of parking.

Developer Barratt London and Transport for London’s property company Places for London are proposing to build four housing blocks on the tube station’s 160-space car park and adjoining storage spaces.

The proposals form part of the West London Partnership, a collaboration between Places for London and Barratt London to deliver more than 4,000 new homes on “underused land” with “excellent transport links”.

The partnership has also set a target to deliver up to 50% affordable homes on each development.

Places for London has confirmed the planning application will be submitted to Barnet Council in spring.

Barratt London said further consultations will be held so residents can continue to share their views and discuss the proposal before it is formally submitted.

Local resident and Barnet Society’s lead on planning and environmental issues, Robin Bishop, said the society did not object to “some housing” on the car park but its complete “loss” was not proving popular among residents.

The proposal is understood to be designed as ‘car free’ to encourage residents to use public transport, with the only car parking spaces being reserved for disabled drivers.

Robin also shared concerns over the stability of the ground around the station.

On the replacement of the car park, he said: “It must be an appropriate mix, you must create a viable community, not some place on a tricky, polluted site, on unstable ground.

“What do local residents and users of High Barnet Station have to gain?”

Robin also warned the station’s infrastructure and that of the surrounding roads may not be up to the task of supporting an influx of new residents.

He said: “Our station and its natural surroundings have some charm and environmental qualities, but access and modal interchange are dysfunctional.

“The short and long-term effects of this project will be deeply disruptive.

“In return, the least we should expect is an accessible and environmentally enhancing transport hub worthy of the 21st Century.”

Following enquiries, Places for London claimed the proposals provided an “opportunity” to enhance the station while also responding to the borough’s need for more affordable housing.

Jonathan Cornelius, head of property development at Places for London, said: “The proposals at High Barnet represent a significant opportunity to enhance High Barnet Station, improving the passenger experience, while delivering the high-quality new homes, including 40% affordable housing, that Barnet and the capital dearly needs.”

Alastair Butcher, development director at Barratt London, said this was the fourth project the home builder had brought forward with Places for London.

The partnership has delivered a development on Blackhorse Road in Waltham Forest and is currently working to deliver 450 homes at Wembley Park in Brent. Last year the partners also received planning permission for a development on Bollo Lane in Ealing.

Alastair said: “Our partnership was founded on a series of core commitments to unlock underutilised, well-connected sites and deliver well designed, high-quality, sustainable homes that are integrated with the local community and context and pass the test of time.

“That is exactly what we are doing at High Barnet, and we look forward to beginning a conversation with the local community and working in partnership with them to bring our bold new vision to life in a way that benefits all stakeholders.”

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