Key information
Petition presented by: Andrew Dismore
Date petition submitted: Wednesday 5 November 2014
Petition presented at: London Assembly Plenary
Summary of petition
“We the undersigned express our dismay at the scheme to convert Premier House from business premises into flats. More than 100 businesses, charities and other organisations are set lose their premises and hundreds of local jobs are at risk. This move is an economic and social double whammy for Edgware, as many other Edgware businesses themselves depend on those who work in Premier House for their own trade. We are surprised that Barnet Council did not obtain an exemption from the relaxation of the planning rules that have caused this to happen and call upon the Council, even at this late stage, to apply immediately to the Government for such an exemption. We call on the Council and the London Mayor to work with those based in Premier House facing eviction to try to avert this economic catastrophe, and if the businesses are not permitted to remain, to assist them in every possible way to relocate locally.”
Response information
Name of person responding: The Mayor
Response date: Monday 15 December 2014
"Thank you for the petition you presented to the London Assembly (Plenary) Meeting on 5 November about the proposed residential led mixed-use development at 102-124 Station Road, Edgware.
I considered an initial consultation report (reference D&P/3176/YP) on this proposal on 19 March 2014, which I have enclosed for your information. In this report I raised a number of strategic concerns that were required to be addressed by the applicant. I was subsequently advised by Barnet Council on 12 May 2014 that members had resolved to refuse permission for the proposed development on 1 May 2014.
The application was referred back to me following the committee decision, where it was subsequently assessed by officers, taking account of the issues raised within the committee report, our initial consultation report and all representations received. I considered a report detailing the findings of this assessment on 29 May 2014 where, whilst I raised no concerns regarding the principal of the proposal, I did raise a number of strategic concerns that were required to be addressed by the applicant.
My recommendation was that Barnet Council be advised that I am content for it to determine the case itself, subject to any action that the Secretary of State may take, and I do not therefore wish to direct refusal or direct that I am to be the local planning authority. I enclose a copy of this report (reference D&P/3176/02) for your information. In reaching this decision I had due regard to the concerns raised within the petition, as well as the detailed assessment of the proposals by my planning officers. I have sent a copy of this letter to the Leader of Barnet Council."