Nearly 2,000 residents have objected to plans for a major new housing development in North Finchley.
Property developer Regal submitted an application in March to demolish several buildings at Tally Ho Corner and adjacent areas along Ballards Lane and High Road.
They are proposed to be replaced with several blocks of flats ranging in height from six to 21 storeys, comprising a total of 855 homes.
However, a petition has been launched by local residents which to date has gained 1,915 signatures, all objecting on the grounds of “over-development”.
Residents say they are concerned about the scale and massing of the buildings and believe the transformation of the centre should be “more gentle and gradual”.
The residents claim the development will create a wind tunnel effect, while there are also fears over “significant disruption” to traffic due to construction which could take up to ten years.
Michael Levitsky, a member of The Finchley Society which does not support the plan, said the housing mix on the scheme did not meet local needs.
Only 20% of the scheme’s homes will be designated as affordable housing, which is under the 35% target set for Barnet. Additionally, around 90% of the homes will be one or two-bedroom flats, but the council has said there is a need for family-sized residences of at least three bedrooms.
Finchley and Golders Green MP Sarah Sackman weighed in on the issue and said she would be “sticking up” for the residents and holding the developer “to account”.
The Labour MP said: “As the outline permission [application] is undergoing consultation, I will be sticking up for the residents of North Finchley by liaising with both developers and the council whilst making sure local people are properly consulted.
“We must make sure that we get the high street we deserve whilst also honouring our commitment to build more homes for future generations.
“I intend to hold developers to account, as I have throughout my career, to make sure that the residents of North Finchley get the best outcome.”
Michael added that Regal’s initial public engagement, which took place last year, was “confusing” and “did not present a clear picture of the development”.
He said: “The deficient consultation by Regal meant very few people were aware of what was going to happen. It is only sinking now. Hence the need for good information from public sources.”
In response, Regal has said feedback from its consultations “directly informed the development proposals” and that its application contained documents that “specifically” addressed The Finchley Society’s concerns.
A spokesperson said: “Regal JP North Finchley Ltd (Regal JP), in partnership with the London Borough of Barnet, has worked closely with local stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and the North Finchley Partnership Board, for several years. Feedback from consultations has directly informed the development proposals.
“In March 2025, Regal JP submitted an outline planning application for the first phase of the regeneration. The application is now in for determination by the council, with statutory assessments and reviews currently underway. It includes a range of supporting documents, including responses to feedback raised during public consultation, specifically addressing points from The Finchley Society.
“As the application progresses through the planning process, Regal JP remains committed to ongoing engagement with the local community and stakeholders to help shape the future of North Finchley.”
Michael concluded: “The council must stop turning our suburbs into high-rise estates of expensive low-quality housing. That’s not in the Local Plan, it’s also not the way to address London’s urgent need for affordable housing.”
Barnet Council declined to comment.
