On Tuesday 18 February, we delivered the Athlone House petition to Camden Council at the Town Hall in Judd Street. Huge congratulations must go to the many, many people, who worked so incredibly hard to reach such an impressive result.

The petition reached its 5000 signature target and its originator, Jack Boswell had the pleasure of handing the 265 pages of signatures and comments to Leader of Camden Council, Councillor Sarah Hayward and Cabinet Member for Planning, Councillor Phil Jones. Councillor Valerie Leach and Council candidate Siân Berry also attended. More here

The event provided an opportunity for us to convey to Councillors Hayward and Jones the full extent of the anger and resentment felt by the local community, as well as further afield.

This, of course, is merely the beginning and we continue to keep a close eye on progress, as Athlone House makes its way through the planning process.

You can watch our powerful Athlone House video and continue to sign the petition here

Copy of the full letter of objection to Camden about the Athlone House development.

Camden CEO Mike Cooke's response to Lynne Featherstone MP

Athlone House, one of the most cherished landmark buildings overlooking Hampstead Heath, is still under threat, despite proposals for its demolition having been decisively rejected by Camden Council and at Appeal 2 years ago. Developers have now made a fresh application to demolish Athlone House and Camden Council have been made aware of how strongly local residents, and those who enjoy the Heath, oppose the scheme.  Over 1,200 emails were sent to support Camden and the Inspectorate in rejecting the previous application and we anticipate the numbers will be even greater this time around.

Camden Council's initial consultation period has now ended. However, as there is still a way to go as we move through the planning process, the petition objecting to the demolition of Athlone House will stay open for further signatures here.

For further information on the planning history and objection points click here

To view recent photos taken inside and outside the house click here

To view the planning application on Camden Council's website click here

Terry Gilliam says: "Londoners!! Those of you who love Hampstead Heath please help save Athlone House. Developers who did a deal to restore the house in exchange for building 3 blocks of very expensive flats have reneged on the contract and are trying to get planning permission to demolish the house and build a pile of oversized, over-blown, ostentatious mediocrity in it's place. Please help and sign the petition on the website before Xmas. It would be a great gift to the Heath".

The Highgate Neighbourhood Forum is currently developing planning policy ready for consultation in a Referendum later in the year.

We would very much value your contribution on local views and vistas which you value and would like to see protected.

The Neighbourhood Plan Area is broadly the whole of N6 within Haringey and Camden borders.

Development which would adversely impact designated views will not normally be allowed.

Suggest your favourite views now http://j.mp/hnfvistasform

A four storey modern development has been approved on appeal for the 'landmark' 69 Highgate High Street ‘flower stall’ site at the north/west entrance to the village, facing the historic Gatehouse pub and Highgate School Chapel. The development will significantly obstruct and block views into and from Pond Square as well as greatly alter views along the High Street. It will fundamentally alter the unique ‘village’ character of Highgate, destroying its defining and cherished rustic northern gateway.

The Highgate Society opposes this proposal as do Camden Council, English Heritage, The Pond Square Residents Association, a clear majority of respondents to the planning application and almost 4 out of 5 locals questioned in a random survey. (Read details and see graphs [pdf]).

Inspectors' decisions at an appeal cannot be changed, but a Judicial Review can be mounted where there are strong procedural grounds. The Highgate Society has taken advice from legal and planning experts and has been advised against such a move because of the financial risk involved. That the Society should find itself unable to mount any further recourse in the face of such a deeply unpopular development clearly demonstrates that the planning system is now stacked against communities to the point of being completely undemocratic.