Theresa Villiers has joined the fight against proposals by the Mayor of London to build massive tower blocks in Edgware town centre, including thirteen which would be over 20 storeys.
Developer Ballymore, and joint venture partner Transport for London, want to demolish The Broadwalk shopping centre and build 3,365 homes and 463 student flats.
Following visits to Edgware Broadwalk and nearby Edgwarebury, Theresa Villiers said "This plan for 25 high-rise buildings is insane. It would include a block of 29 storeys and 12 others in excess of 20 storeys."
"According to the Save Edgware campaign group, that would give Edgware Broadwalk a population which is more dense than Manhattan, Canary Wharf or Hong Kong. Local infrastructure could not possibly cope with the 3800 new dwellings proposed."
"It's shocking that the Mayor of London is trying to do this to Edgware. He wants to radically reduce the parking available in the town centre which would jeopardise the viability of local shops. They would also be devastated by the many years of disruption caused while the new blocks are being built."
"The proposal includes demolition of the bus station, but the replacement facilities will be completely inadequate for this important transport hub. Residents have also told me of their very serious fire safety concerns about the idea of an underground bus charging depot."
"Although this development is not in my constituency, it will have a significant impact on nearby areas, including Edgwarebury which is due to become part of Chipping Barnet at the next general election."
"I am joining my colleague Bob Blackman MP in strongly opposing what the Mayor and TfL propose to do to Edgware town centre. There is a need for regeneration and that should include new homes. But what is proposed is excessive. It must be drastically scaled back before it can be made acceptable."
Theresa Villiers recently met local campaigners in Edgware town centre, including Anuta Zack (of Save our Edgware), Cllr Lucy Wakeley and Cllr Lachhya Gurung, to be briefed on the scheme and understand why residents are against it.
