The committee has been actively progressing the response to the proposed development at the Old Police Station site, following earlier meetings in March. Two draft letters have been prepared setting out the community's concerns: one to the governors of Abacus Primary School and another to Camden's chief planning officer and relevant councillors. The principal objection centres on the scale of the proposed expansion, with the committee accepting that a 210-pupil school would be appropriate for the area, but firmly opposing the current plan for 420 pupils. Efforts are underway to make contact with the Education Funding Agency to clarify the submission timetable, though this body has proven difficult to reach. The committee is also liaising with Historic England and English Heritage, having identified that the current plans appear to contravene several local planning policies.
Traffic impact has emerged as a critical area of focus. The council's recent traffic surveys at nearby junctions were limited in scope, taking place only during term time and not capturing data during school holidays. The committee believes that sufficient evidence can be gathered without out-of-school-hours monitoring, and has agreed to commission traffic consultants to strengthen the case that the development would negatively affect traffic conditions across Downshire Hill and surrounding streets. Members have also flagged important practical concerns, including the likelihood that new safety barriers and a zebra crossing will be needed at the proposed main entrance, and that existing parking bays in the area would be reduced.
To support this ongoing work, funds are needed immediately for the traffic consultants, with further contributions expected as the objection process develops. An appeal will be going out to residents explaining the situation and inviting financial support, whilst committee members will also be following up personally with the community—an approach that has proved effective in the past.