3 / Options
KEY QUESTIONS / What are the dwelling options being proposed by HS2 and Camden Council for residents affected by the changes in Euston Area? How are residents responding to the proposed plans and what are their strategies for reacting to them?
CURRENT PROPOSALS/SCENARIOS / “Camden faces a loose, loose situation from HS2 and it is appalling” (Sarah Hayward, Camden Council Leader) Although detailed impact assessments for the environmental conditions generated by HS2 construction have been undertaken, no meaningful studies into the social impact to the local community have been conducted by HS2 Ltd. In fact, the information provided by HS2 has been purposefully limited which has contributed to the uncertainty faced by residents. Camden Council’s Euston Area Plan has taken on board the current proposal by HS2, and have suggested alternatives in how the proposal can be integrated into a wider urban plan promoting connectivity, providing extra affordable housing and retaining green space. In their EAP Camden have committed to “securing long term benefits from station redevelopment for existing neighbouring communities and helping to mitigate the shorter term impacts of HS2”. To this end, Camden Council launched a competition to design the housing on the infill sites on the estate; the finalists had already been selected at the time of the workshop, and an event to 32
present the schemes to the residents was being organised. Camden Council have taken the decision that the construction of these blocks will happen even if HS2 doesn’t go ahead, with a waiting list of 25,000 people they cannot afford to lose these homes without replacements. These new blocks will further increase the building density in the estate and replace green areas, a positive attribute to the neighbourhood. During their workshop, many residents placed the view from their homes and access to outdoor areas as central features in residents’ dwelling aspirations. Camden Council has urged HS2 to take on board their proposals, but there is currently no sign that these will be considered. The compensation on the table for the effected communities is also in limbo, as currently only social residents whose homes will be destroyed are likely to receive an option for relocation in the area. Most recently, the Council has pproposed a compensation charter with the fair deal for London alliance focusing on fairer mechanisms for homeowners and businesses in the affected areas.
Opposite / Extract from Camden Council’s Euston Area Plan, showing infill housing sites.