Time for reservoir digs?

Published: 14 October, 2010
by DAN CARRIER

TO neighbours, it is a much-loved piece of open land, home to rare slow worms, bats and owls in the middle of the hustle and bustle of West Hampstead. 

To a property developer it is an opportunity to build 16 new eco-friendly houses and make a tidy profit.

Now the two sides are ranged against each other as plans to build an estate on a former reservoir in Gondar Gardens are revealed for the first time.

At an exhibition on Saturday at Emmanuel Primary School in Mill Lane, developers Linden Homes and building firm Wates unveiled a scheme for the houses which they boast will be eco-friendly, sunk underground alongside the Victorian arches, and claim will enhance a site designated as being of special conservation interest.

The developers, who called the area “an exceptional site” in their sales blurb, showed designs which will partially retain the brick arches. The displays showed car parking for each house in a basement garage and an area dubbed a “media room” next to them.

The exhibition said key issues were not blocking views from neighbouring houses, keeping the space green, and making eco-friendly buildings and traffic. But developers stand accused of ignoring the views of neighbours who overwhelmingly opposed any new buildings on the site during a consultation exercise in July. Gondar and Agamemnon Residents Association chairman David Yass said members were 100 per cent against the plans. He claimed developers are looking to break Camden Council planning policy to make a quick buck. 

“Our views are that it does not matter how pretty or sensitive their designs are,” said Mr Yass. “They want to develop a private open space and a site of special conservation. 

“This is a place that simply should not be built on.”

He said that any attempts by developers would be vigorously challenged. Mr Yass added: “We are going to campaign to make sure Camden upholds their policy not to build on this space.”

A press release issued by the developers said: “Whilst long-standing apprehension of development of the former reservoir was evident, others were keen to engage with the team about possible redevelopment options.”

Mr Yass claimed this was being economical with the truth. 

He said: “There are plenty of people keen to engage with them about redevelopment, as they say – but to tell them they do not want anything built here.”

Wates senior land and planning manager John Tarvitt insisted the land is ripe for development.

He said: “The unitary development plan inspector said it was previously developed land subject to further analysis. 

“We bought the site in January 2010 and there has long been a big structure there. Something needs to be done with it – it is a Victorian structure – and it will eventually fall down. It will become an issue and a problem.”

“This is a low-impact and a low-density scheme that reflects the views of those who live nearby.”