Planning
Planning Applications relating to properties in St John’s
Wood are made to Westminster City Council, which then refers the
applications to the Society for its comments. These applications
are considered by the Planning Committee on behalf of the Society.
When
considering applications, the Planning Committee seeks to preserve
and maintain the essential leafy, suburban atmosphere of St. John’s
Wood, most of which is a Conservation Area, and the quality of
existing buildings, many of which are listed. We are not averse
to new, modern
houses, but they must be of the highest quality and sensitive to
their surroundings. Generally, we object to the progressive conversion
of front gardens into parking areas, and to the consequent creation
of new “cross-overs”. We are also generally opposed
to sliding gates, particularly wide ones, in place of traditional
ones.
We are also opposed to the removal of mature trees, whether in
front or rear gardens. Unless there are special circumstances,
we object
to the addition of new floors on top of existing blocks of flats.
What
we do not do is support applicants or take up cudgels on behalf
of individual residents who wish to oppose applications, although
occasionally we may appear at Planning Appeals to object where
a property of general local importance is concerned.
It is rare
that the Society actively opposes applications; we do not object
to about 2/3 of the applications we receive, although
we sometimes add specific comments about concerns we have or
details
we do not like.
Frequently, we are asked our views on some applications
relating to areas just outside St. John’s Wood but which are
likely to affect residents of St. John’s Wood – for example
the Paddington Basin redevelopment. Recently, we were asked
for our comments on proposals to redevelop the existing golf and
tennis schools
in Regent’s Park, and also on an application to display
banners supporting London’s Olympic bid.
Quite separately, on our own
initiative, we arranged a meeting with the architects for the redevelopment
of part of the Hospital of St.
John’s & St. Elizabeth because were unhappy with part of
their design.
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