Residents say there is a 40-year history of planning applications being turned down for the site

Residents are battling to save a “beautiful copse” near the Parkland Walk from a proposed housing development.

Architect Didier Ryan and photographer Candice Lake have applied to build a three-bedroom home at Shepherds Close, currently a “cherished green space” according to residents.

Ryan, however, claims the scheme “includes significant biodiversity and landscape enhancements”.

A public consultation has prompted 16 objections, including claims that the plans threaten local wildlife, would be “incongruent” with the architectural style of the area, and even pose a flood risk.

One resident, Sergey, said: “As a resident of Shepherds Close since 1994, I’ve witnessed numerous attempts to develop a cherished green space, which have been consistently opposed.”

Speaking to HCP, a group of residents added that a previous planning application had been made by Ryan in 2020. In spite of an appeal being denied, Ryan felled 19 mature trees at the site.

Resident Talia added: “The needless destruction of our beautiful copse, home to birds, squirrels, bats and foxes, exposed the fundamental inequitable [nature …] of this awful project.”

Sergey said: “The proposed development […] threatens the architectural uniformity and Shepherds Close’s ecological and social fabric.”

Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “This is a conservation area, and in the current climate crisis, we must decide whether we need another concrete fortress or green space.”

Ryan’s application also claims that the development would “improve passive surveillance and security”, decreasing a “high level of crime stats for Shepherds Close” – which residents dispute.

Sergey said: “In our 30 years here, the close-knit community has never faced the anti-social problems the development claims to resolve.”

New neighbour Magalie added: “Drainage is bad here already, so that would add to that problem. We have parking issues, and the development would create privacy issues with neighbours. I am concerned about adding population density in already a very small, quiet area.”

Resident Pete commented: “This could set a disturbing precedent. Highgate is known for its extensive woods and small pockets of green space. What would remain of its character if all our green corridors and spaces were built upon?

“The view to the Parkland Walk [would be] gone forever.”

Resident Aisha said: “In the heart of our close lies a vital green artery, a lush corridor woven from the very essence of nature itself, providing not just a home to diverse wildlife but a sanctuary.

“Construction activities will lead to pollution affecting species such as the common darter. The disturbance from noise and light pollution will disrupt natural behaviours.

“The proposed design for a new build, with its hard, cold lines, feels utterly alien against our cherished green space’s soft, natural contours. The developer’s proposed design is not just an aesthetic blight but a direct assault on the ecological balance, severing the vital green corridor as a critical pathway for our local wildlife and a source of beauty and tranquillity.

“The proposal’s vague dimensions and potential overreach into areas adjacent to Parkland Walk, a treasured nature reserve, necessitate a robust challenge. This lack of specificity hampers the community’s ability to gauge the proposal’s full environmental and spatial ramifications, posing risks to the ecological health of nearby green spaces and their future enjoyment.”

Ryan commented: “On our initial proposal, we consulted with the Highgate Society, who reviewed our design, and suggested changes. As a result, we modified the proposal and incorporated their improvements. […] This planning application is a completely new design and approach. It responds to historical objections, and officer and inspector reports. It integrates with the neighbourhood and celebrates the modernist architecture of Shepherds Close. It also falls under the new London Plan and Local Plan policies designed to encourage more local housing.

“A mature hedgerow of cypress trees was removed following S211 procedures for removing trees in a
conservation area.

“There is a proposal for a comprehensive landscape scheme with mature indigenous species currently under planning application review.

“There were two police incidents of theft and vandalism on the site as well as regular fly tipping. The Met Police noted the high level of crime stats for Shepherds Close. We have suggested that an occupied house in this location would improve passive surveillance and security, as supported by ‘secure by design’ advice from the Metropolitan Police.

“The neighbour currently has a view of the brick wall of adjacent garages. The proposed house is sited is in front of the brick wall and will be the same height as the wall. The proposed gardens and courtyards will be well landscaped, with planted green roofs and the proposal would enhance the view from the neighbour’s property.

“The site is located on a steep hill, and there is no increased risk of flooding to the surrounding areas. There is no history of localised or general flooding of this location. Nevertheless, the proposed green roofs and landscaped areas act to slow the flow of water after heavy rain events. The green roof areas will retain water in the substrate, drainage/reservoir board and plants.

“This a unique site and the proposed design has its own special merits. It is a brownfield, infill site within an established curtilege. The proposal is thoughtfully considered, and fits in well with the modernist housing in Shepherds Close and the Highgate conservation area. This a logical and suitable location for a new home and would not set a precedent for future developments.”

To view the full plans or leave a comment, visit the link here.

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