Key Points
- The Railway Hotel in Edgware, built in 1931 and Grade II-listed, is earmarked for redevelopment into 700 homes.
- The hotel, closed since 2006 and damaged by fires in 2016 and 2021, is a heritage asset in a prominent north London location.
- The local community and council are divided over the height and scale of the proposed development.
- Residents express concerns about buildings up to 29 storeys, despite policy caps suggesting maximum heights of 3 to 8 storeys.
- The developer, Edgware Limited, aims to restore the hotel and develop the surrounding brownfield land known as Forumside.
- Public consultations and environmental assessments are ongoing, with further engagement scheduled.
What is the history and significance of the Railway Hotel in Edgware?
The Railway Hotel, located in Edgware, North London, is a building of significant heritage value. Originally constructed in 1931, its distinctive Tudor-style architecture has earned it Grade II-listed status, marking it as an important cultural asset in the area. The hotel fell into disuse in 2006, and since then, it has been derelict—an eyesore in the community and a site of concern for preservationists.
The hotel’s history is marred by fire damage, with two incidents occurring in 2016 and 2021, further complicating its future. As reported by The Evening Standard, the building’s status as a heritage site has made redevelopment a complex issue, balancing heritage conservation with community needs.
Why are residents concerned about the proposed 700-home development?
Residents have voiced significant apprehension regarding the scale, height, and environmental impact of the proposed development. Anuta Zack, leader of the Save Our Edgware campaign group, highlighted that the plan could include buildings up to 29 storeys high, which exceeds local height policies. The supplementary planning document for the area recommends a maximum of three storeys adjacent to the hotel, and eight storeys elsewhere.
Tony Allan, speaking on behalf of Edgware Community Association, expressed support for regenerating the historic hotel but emphasised concerns about the “scale, design, and cumulative environmental impact” associated with the project, especially the Forumside development.
Resident concerns centre around the potential overshadowing of the existing community, increased traffic, pressure on local infrastructure, and preservation of aesthetic character. Residents have also challenged the developer’s claims of low-rise buildings being “lower than Ballymore’s 29-storey scheme,” with fears that such high-rise plans would change the neighbourhood’s character irreversibly.
What are the developer’s plans for the site and surrounding area?
Edgware Limited, the developer working on the project, aims to both restore the historic Railway Hotel and develop the adjacent brownfield land at Forumside, located behind the hotel along Station Road. This land has previously been used for illegal dumping and remains largely unused, a prime candidate for redevelopment.
According to the developer, five new buildings are proposed to be constructed on the Forumside site, with assurances that these will be “lower in height than the tallest buildings” in the Ballymore scheme, which caps at 29 storeys. The plan involves:
- Conversion and restoration of the Railway Hotel.
- Construction of roughly 700 new homes, including around 200 private studio flats.
- A reduction from an original proposal of 750 homes, with 30 private flats removed.
- Development of five new buildings on Forumside, intended to blend into the existing neighbourhood.
In statements to the public, Edgware Limited stressed its commitment to a “heritage-led regeneration” designed to serve local needs and protect the area’s character.
How has the local council responded to the development plans?
Barnet Council has underscored that discussions with the developer are still in the pre-application phase. A spokesperson explained they “cannot yet confirm the proposed heights of a future scheme” but encourages applicants to engage broadly with the community early in the process.
The council highlighted the importance of transparency, stating that it
“advises and encourages applicants proposing major complex schemes to consult widely with the community before and during pre-application discussions.”
They also mentioned their comprehensive online guidance on community engagement, aiming to facilitate informed participation from residents.
Furthermore, the council remains cautious, noting only that an “environmental impact assessment (EIA) scoping opinion” has been submitted—a process that determines what environmental information will be required should a formal planning application be submitted.
When will residents and stakeholders have a say?
Following the initial public consultation, a second round of engagement is scheduled from November 3 to November 23. The developer, Edgware Limited, announced plans for public drop-in sessions, including:
- The session at Shishukunj Bhavan, 25-27 High Street, on Wednesday, November 5, from 3 pm to 8 pm.
- Another session on Thursday, November 13, at the same venue and time.
According to the developer, these meetings will serve to “update the community on amendments made following feedback” and gather additional thoughts on the scheme. The developer also confirmed that they had reduced the number of homes and refined proposals based on community input.
What are the next steps and potential hurdles?
Both the developer and the council are awaiting further detailed assessments. The emphasis remains on balancing heritage conservation with urban housing needs, amid strong community opinions both for and against the project.
A key challenge will be whether the development can comply with local policies, especially regarding building heights and environmental standards. The submission of a comprehensive environmental impact assessment (EIA) and continued dialogue with residents and heritage bodies will shape its prospects.
If approved, the project will proceed through formal planning application stages, where further negotiations on design, scope, and community benefits are expected.
What are the community’s hopes and fears?
Community representatives, especially members of Save Our Edgware, express hope that the development will respect the historic nature of the site and avoid excessive high-rise construction. Zack and other activists advocate for sensitivity, heritage honesty, and infrastructure support.
Conversely, some residents and local businesses see the project as an opportunity for economic revitalisation and increased housing options. The debate continues over how to reconcile growth with preservation, with many hoping for a solution that benefits all stakeholders.
