Spring update: development news and events

by | Apr 10, 2025 | Development & Heritage, News, Open Spaces, Plan, Traffic & Transport | 0 comments

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April 2025 news
STOP PRESS: Camden Council have announced that they will no longer allow barbecues in Waterlow Park after large crowds descended on the Park for two weekends in a row. Unfortunately, these gatherings have led to large scale illegal parking, as well as anti social behaviour and damage to the Park.
Date for your diary: our AGM

The 2025 Highgate Neighbourhood Forum AGM will be held at 7pm on Wednesday 14 May. You can find the Formal Notice and a Proxy Form here. We will publish more details and a list of nominations in the May newsletter.

We do hope you will join us and share your own projects, as well as hearing about the Forum’s activities. If you would like to nominate yourself to join our Committee next year, please email info@forhighgate.org by May 4 with some information about yourself – you can see this year’s committee’s details here.
Broadbent Yard for sale

A sales brochure has been issued by BNP Paribas and John D Wood for the sale of “The Highgate Grove”, currently known as Broadbent Close – one of the Highgate Bowl yards off the High Street. Billed as a “development opportunity” , the sale would include the current commercial and residential buildings, as well as the private wood at the back of the yard. Any potential development (architects’ suggested illustration above) would be covered by policy KS3 of the Neighbourhood Plan (see page 72). More information as we have it.
New safety measures for Archway Road

In response to a question about recent serious accidents on Archway Road from our London Assembly Member Joanne McCartney, TfL have said they are developing proposals to make the road safer for all users. Measures they are considering include a 20mph speed limit between Archway Gyratory and the Barnet boundary, a new signal-controlled crossing close to the Sainsbury store, upgrades to existing pedestrian crossings near Church Road and Causton Road and the addition of traffic calming measures (raised tables) at Bishops Road. They plan to consult on these proposals by the end of 2025. You can view the question and answer here.
Dartmouth Park traffic proposals shelved for now
Camden Council have “gone back to the drawing board” on their proposals for a Dartmouth Park Healthy Neighbourhood. After receiving more than 2000 responses – for and against – to their proposals, they have decided to shelve the proposed scheme and reconsider how they might tackle the traffic congestion and environmental issues it was designed to address. HNF remains committed to working with the Council to improve public transport and active travel in the wider Highgate area.
Islington Council refuse planning permission for proposed Archway Campus development
Islington Council has turned down the controversial planning application for the Archway Campus on the grounds that it:

  • Fails to meet the Council’s policies on affordable housing
  • Fails to provide good quality homes for future residents
  • Provides an excessive quality of student housing in a tall building on a site that has not been allocated for a tall building.

The Council’s resolution has been referred to the GLA to decide whether the Authority will allow Islington to refuse the planning application. The developers can appeal the Council’s decision but local councillors and community organisations are determined to fight for maximum social housing and maximum community benefit on the site.
Do you have a favourite plaque or monument in Highgate that you would like to see refurbished? If so, have  look at the Heritage of London Trust website as the charity grants up to £15,000 for the restoration of historic buildings and monuments. They have recently agreed to restore the Whittington Cat statue on the Archway Road. Let us know how you get on!
Phone safety warning
A quick reminder to be careful how you use your mobile phone in public. Thieves on motorbikes have been seen to snatch phones from users in our neighbourhood. Please be aware and don’t stand near the kerb when you are using your phone.
Parkland Walk Litter Pick on Sunday
The Friends of Parkland Walk need a band of helpers to dive into the depths of the nature reserve to pull out the annual build up of discarded litter and rubbish. This year’s litter pick will be on Sunday 13 April,starting at 10.30am at Oxford Road and 2pm starting at Stapleton Hall Road Bridge. Email forparklandwalk@gmail.com to let them know you are planning to come along.
Harington Spring Sale and Open Days

The Harington Spring Sale and Open Days will take place on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 May from 10am to 1pm. There will be the usual sale of Spring bedding plants, perennials and herbs, as well as refreshments and tours of the horticultural site and training grounds. Live music by London Metropolitan Brass.
Walks and talks on the Heath
Lots of events organised by Heath Hands on Hampstead Heath this month:

  • Sat 12th April – 10am – Signs of Spring nature walk – Kenwood area
  • Weds 13rd April – 1pm – Nature Journaling (£5) – Kenwood area
  • Sat 26th April – 11am-3pm – Kenwood Dairy Open Day – drop in anytime
  • Sun 27th April – 1pm – Nature walk – The Geology of Hampstead Heath – Whitestone pond area

To find out more and book, check out their website.
April also sees the beginning of the Heath wildlife monitoring season. Heath Hands will be tracking reptile, butterfly and dragonfly populations across Hamstead Heath and the Kenwood Estate. You can see the reports from last year’s monitoring programmes here.
Springtime fun at Lauderdale House
The Lauderdale House Easter Treasure Hunt will return on Easter Sunday 20 April between 11am and 4.30pm. More info here.

And Jazz in the House is back for a new season from May 1. Booking now open here!
Have your say on Haringey’s proposed new school streets here. Consultation closes on 2 May.
London Walking Festival in May

London National Park City is working with Go Jauntly and Footways to create a festival celebrating walking (and wheeling) in London for the whole of May. They describe it as “celebrating walkers, writers, wanderers, filmmakers, foragers, campaigners, chroniclers and folk that just like a stroll”. There are too many local events to list here so check out their website.
Local sustainable energy schemes survey
Share your thoughts on sustainable energy in London and give yourself the chance to win £250! Complete the Greener London survey here by 2 May.
Alicia Pivaro
Chair, Highgate Neighbourhood Forum
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