A new action group urges residents to make their views known on “the most significant re-landscaping of the Golders Green neighbourhood since its creation” – with new houses and shops and the demolition of the Clock Tower War Memorial proposed.

The war memorial, unveiled in 1923, could be knocked down and moved, to make way for a new road layout at Finchley Road and North End, envisioned by Transport for London (TfL.)

This could allow for greater pedestrian access in the Golders Green town centre, creating a new area with pop-up shops, market stalls, street food vendors, and opportunities for community events.

Newly-formed Golders Green Station Action Group are asking Hampstead Garden Suburb and Golders Green residents to respond to the draft planning brief put forward by Barnet Council.

If agreed, the development would affect the bus station, war memorial, Underground station and immediate surroundings.

Action group residents Jeremy Charles, Stanley Rom, Ronnie Jaffa, Dr Chris Phillips, Bernard Jackson wrote in a flyer to residents: “Some development of the centre of Golders Green and the bus station might be welcomed by many. However, the centre of Golders Green was carefully planned to be open, airy and with good views. It is a Conservation area. Site A [the bus station and war memorial] in its suggested form may take on the forbidding and sterile feel of the bus station and buildings at Tally Ho corner that is unloved by the local residents.”

Oral historian Alan Dein said: “This redevelopment plan is perhaps the most significant re-landscaping of the Golders Green neighbourhood since its creation - and it is vital that the wider public are made aware of what is going on, and exactly what could happen, and how it could impact on the area.”

Barnet Council’s draft planning brief can be read online at: engage.barnet.gov.uk/housing-planning-and-regeneration/draft-golders-green-station-planning-brief/.

Responses must be in by May 11 at 5pm to: forward.planning@barnet.gov.uk. The station Action Group invite residents to a meeting on April 27 (today) at 7.30pm in Fellowship House, to discuss proposals.