Dear neighbours,please have a read through the latest update from Cllr Joanna Christophides regarding 35 Maidstone Road.It is clearly not over yet and very soon we are about to find out what the next proposal will be.

Dear Cllr Christophides

Thank you for your email enquiry concerning the above site 35 Maidstone Road, London N11 2TR

Firstly, I must clarify that works to clear the garden including removal of non-protected trees, and any internal works involving removal of fixtures and fittings would not constitute 'development' requiring planning permission under section 55 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended).

You may remember that a planning application for demolition of the existing dwelling house and construction of a new build comprising 10 flats ref. HGY/2016/1430 was withdrawn in June 2016 following officer advice that the scheme had fundamental issues with regard to its scale, bulk, design, quantum of development and dwelling mix.

Since then, the applicant's architect has been advised that a scheme to redevelop the site for a more intensive residential use would be acceptable however that this would need to be of a scale and density that is compatible with the surrounding area.  Given the fact that the existing 1930's dwelling is of 'lesser' architectural merit, and is clearly distinguishable from the attractive Victorian era dwellings along Maidstone Road, officers have advised that the principle of demolition may be acceptable subject to a high quality replacement building being built.

Officers have further advised that whilst modern or contemporary elements might be acceptable, the replacement building should have a pitched roof and should sit comfortably alongside the other Victorian dwellings.  The applicant therefore aims to proceed with a more traditional design proposing a new build comprising 2 family sized units and some additional 1 and 2 bedroom flats.  Officers have advised the applicant to enter into formal pre-application discussions to ensure that the scheme is progressed towards a proposal more appropriate and in line with our policy objectives before submitting another application.  Any application received would of course be assessed against the relevant planning policies and any other material considerations.

I hope the above is useful.  Whilst I cannot speculate as to the developers intentions or timelines, I can see no evidence to suggest that works would begin without the benefit of planning consent at this stage. I can advise further that we have not received any 'prior notification application' for demolition of the dwelling house.

Please feel free to get in touch if you would like to discuss further or require any further information.

Kind Regards

Stuart Minty

Head of Development Management and Planning Enforcement