Change is afoot in Highgate as a consultation on a new Neighbourhood Plan opens

The proposals for how the area should develop were submitted to Camden and Haringey Councils by the Highgate Neighbourhood Forum.

Highgate originated as a hamlet on the corner of a hunting estate, divided between the parishes of St Pancras and Hornsey. This division still exists in the boundary between Camden and Haringey down the middle of the High Street.

The core of Highgate village was formed in 1380 when a new track was run northwards from the City, forming a junction with what is now Hampstead Lane and Southwood Lane.

Today Highgate is a far cry from its hamlet roots and now has 18,000 residents in 8,000 households. The plan seeks to retain Highgate’s ‘special character’, find solutions for congested roads and create a sense of unity across the two boroughs.

Highgate councillor Sian Berry said: “The plan combines the preservation of things we want to keep with a vision for new things. I hope the final consultation goes well and goes to a referendum soon.

“There are a whole load of good things in it. A lot of thought has gone into Pond Square and how it can be better used by the community.”

Under the Localism Act (2011) residents and businesses can help shape the development of their area through the production of Neighbourhood Development Plans.

The policies put forward can eventually form part of the Local Plan, which helps determine planning applications and the councils’ development plans.

In 2012 Highgate amenity groups, residents’ organisations and individuals, with the support of councillors decided to set up a Forum to make use of these rights.

Highgate councillor Sian Berry said: “It’s really exciting that people have spent best part of the last two years coming up with a positive vision for the area. Neighbourhood plans mean that when councils do put forward proposals, people are ready for them. The proposals may even be things that residents have come up with themselves, so rather than causing a fuss the plans go through smoothly.

The councils are now seeking views and comments from residents and interested stakeholders on the proposed plan. The consultation runs until 4th November 2016.

For more information visit camden.gov.uk/neighbourhoodplanning or haringey.gov.uk/neighbourhood-planning