Protect the green space

Published: 24 June, 2010

• I AM delighted there is a proposal to redevelop the multi-storey car park, on the corner of Abbey Road and Belsize Road, into residential homes.

However, I do have serious concerns:

• All the proposed development options involve losing the present buildings’
set-backs are thereby denuding us of important green spaces. Two proposals will be getting rid of many valuable mature trees.

• The developments, especially one which involves building a 20-storey tower block, would greatly decrease our natural light.

• Two would increase the housing density, so as to impact on facilities such as schools and medical centres.

It is important this leafy residential area, keeps its character.

The recent building on the west corner of Belsize Road and Loudoun Road fits the bill very well: it is no more than five stories high and it is compact, not over fussy, and delivers maximum housing space which is in keeping with the local area.

Imaginative conversion of the vacated area of the Belsize Health Centre into homes and the refurbishment of property, such as 107 Belsize Road (containing 18 family flats), which has been empty for over five years, will negate the need for the massive development considered for the Casterbridge and Snowman House site.

The green space on the east side of Casterbridge house on Belsize Road was a public space, easily accessible to all from the late 1960s.

Since then the fences have drastically increased in height and the entrance gates are now inaccessible to residents.

The green public right of way in front of the multi-storey car park, on the corner of Abbey Road and Belsize Road has been being taken away from us.

The public right away must be made accessible to the public once more.

CARIN BATTLE
Belsize Road, NW6