HIGHGATE NEW TOWN PHASE 1, CAMDEN Community-led Conservation Guidance for inclusion in the Dartmouth Park Conservation Area and Application for Grade II* Listing

it’s as a priority under Local Plan Policy A2 Open Spaces- “f. conserve and enhance the heritage
value of designated open spaces and other elements of open space which make a significant
contribution to the character and appearance of conservation areas or to the setting of heritage
assets” (Camden 2017).
6.5 Technical installation
6.5.1 Discussion of technical installation considered the environmental-design, through-water and heating
systems and the thermal regulation of internal temperatures and plans for winter-gardens (enclosed
balcony terraces). The heating and water systems are comprehensive networks running throughout
HNT. In particular, the efficiency of the water system which has been impaired by incompatible
localised alterations, resulting in loss of pressure in many homes because they are applied locally
without consideration to the system as a whole. Detailed drawings and information are available
of these systems which could help ensure the design of future interventions and maintenance are
compatible. It was resolved that a package of available technical information about these systems
is needed and that its review should be mandatory in advance of any future works to technical
aspects. Given the problems some residents are currently experiencing with supply it was also felt
that efforts should be made to remedy that as opportunities arise.
6.6 Amenity space and community events
6.6.1 Seasonal, regular and one-off events emerged as a key topic through discussion of use of the
external environment, with two examples given being Halloween and summer parties. Discussion
considered how this might be developed in terms of current space, siting and provision. Currently
events utilise the greens for outdoor events and HNT’s community spaces, the Garden-Room
for smaller, indoor occasions (such as WERA meetings). Beyond the current areas available for
events (shared-spaces, greens and the Garden-room) the extensive underground-parking required
under late ‘60s planning has limited use, which will be developed by Wood that works (carpentry
workshop) beyond which potential exists for further changes of use. It was resolved that discussion
with Camden about how much of the capacity might be made available for resident activities would
be desirable. It was also determined that the programme of current events and proposed events be
shared between the WERA and Camden Council to secure support and funding where possible.
6.7 Gardening and Pruning
6.7.1 Gardening and pruning emerged as a variable issue over time, which has been dependent on
funding and changing management strategies. It is felt that the frequency of maintenance has
reduced recently, which residents felt was likely the result of cutbacks. Whilst some residents have
taken the initiative to tend to areas of planting over the years and there is a willingness to contribute
in this way, reaching a consensus with Camden over responsibilities and roles is needed. Residents’
were positive to how their own engagement provides them with an active role in management,
planting and use of the spaces, but that this needs to be done with a clear picture of different
responsibilities, which needs discussion.
6.8 Refuse and Recycling
6.8.1 Refuse and recycling was brought into discussion through frustration over the current large green
refuse bins which are set out across the streets of HNT and collection arrangements introduced
by Camden in recent years. The current bins do not fit the bin-housing located under the stairs,
requiring them to be kept on the street. The principal issues with this are that they often block
shared spaces at the entrances in which neighbours meet and converse and are unsightly. Whilst
residents are sensitive to the new bins being standardised across the borough and too large to fit
the original housing, they are very keen to reclaim these spaces and that an alternative location
for the bins is found. They would like to see a review of the refuse and collection strategy, which
aims to limit impact to community-space as well as the built character of the HNT. This might see a
return to smaller containers (used elsewhere in Camden) which would fit the original bin-housing or
alternative storage arrangements being made for the existing containers, removing them from the
streets.
6.9 Signage and maps
6.9.1 Signage and maps were a specific issue for Tábori who sought to avoid aspects which define
housing as an estate and thereby establishing it as separate to its surroundings. As part of his
approach through urban renewal, the original street-signs were the same as those of neighbouring
streets and any need for maps should have been unnecessary because of the logical layout and
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