15 April 2013
After several years at the planning stage, with different scheme designs and a change of client, redevelopment of a former Parcelforce depot in North West London has finally received the green light, thanks to the expertise of WYG’s London transport planning team.
The mixed-use development in NW2 comprises 230 residential units, commercial uses and associated parking and amenity space, which will help to deliver affordable housing to meet local demand.
WYG’s expert transport planning, travel planning, traffic modelling, design advice and planning negotiations, all under the auspices of the S106 Planning / S278 Highways Acts, coupled with the ability to manage the planning process through to completion under challenging circumstances, will serve as a first-class reference leading to more work including detailed design and discharging of planning conditions.
Initial opposition to the scheme came from Transport for London (TfL), Barnet and Brent Councils, and the local Dollis Hill Residents’ Association, who were concerned about adding to peak-time traffic congestion around one of London’s major traffic hubs, the Edgware Road. The Highway Authorities were equally concerned that the proposals would impact the wider Cricklewood regeneration scheme that was being determined at the time. A statement in the local and regional press on behalf of the Liberal Democrats illustrated these concerns:
“Building so many new flats right next to the already congested A5 will affect local traffic, increase competition for parking spaces and add to pressure on local services in Brent.”
In total, 44 different stakeholders were consulted during the application process but, faced with the comprehensive transport planning and consultation work undertaken by WYG, the highways authorities were eventually persuaded.
James Darrall, Associate in Transport Planning said: “Our extensive London transport planning experience negotiating with different highway authorities, and broad technical knowledge, meant we could deliver expert advice on highway layouts and traffic impact, and in the process, resolve technical and political highways issues arriving at a workable solution with TfL, Barnet and Brent Councils.”
Nigel Lomax, Development Manager at client, A2Dominion Housing Group, added: “‘We are very pleased that Geron Way received a resolution to grant planning permission at the end of March. This has been a particularly challenging scheme and we have been very impressed with the way WYG worked to agree the outstanding highways issues with TfL, Barnet and Brent.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
One of the top-ranking global consultancies employing around 1,400 people, WYG is behind some of the world’s most challenging projects. Our specialists provide expert advice and project management support services that are helping to shape landscapes, infrastructure, society and culture in the developed and developing world.
We advise on planning and transport, provide engineering and environmental services, consult on waste and resource management, and deliver support to enable economic and social reform.
By engaging with clients at an early stage we ensure that decisions are made which will maximise a project’s potential and deliver our client’s strategic objectives. In turn, this builds strong and lasting relationships with clients in each of our seven core sectors:
Defence & Justice; Energy & Waste; Environment (including waste and waste water); Transport; Commercial Development & Urban Regeneration; Mining & Metals; Social Development & Infrastructure
WYG has an international presence with offices throughout the UK, and in Eastern Europe, the Middle East & North Africa, and South Africa.
For more information please contact:
Louise Gardner, PR & Communications Executive
WYG
Arndale Court, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 2UJTel: +44 (0)113 278 7111
Email: groupcommuncations@wyg.com
Twitter: @wyggroup
