“ Can everyone at least agree any development at High Barnet Station MUST include 1) full funding for and construction of facilities for direct bus services to the town centre, 2) improved pedestrian access and 3) keeping a turning area and the present number of parking spaces for cars.
At the moment the terminus would be more accurately named Low Barnet Station – the short trip to the town centre or even the nearest bus stop is a punishing uphill trek, particularly carrying or wheeling anything.
35 years ago I was writing articles saying a frequent direct bus connection with the station was necessary for the prosperity of the town centre. Now I would say it is one of the few measures that could make a real contribution to saving it. Such direct access to the (literally) High Road and the Spires would also have significant and perhaps critical benefits both for residents of such new homes and town centre businesses.
For decades I have heard ward councillors and other local campaigners report that London Transport and then Transport for London insist such a bus access to the station would cost an unaffordable (and implausibly exact) £100,000 and £250,000 respectively. I respectfully suggest that given the considerable budget for any development this facility should be insisted on as a planning gain by Barnet Council as the planning authority. ”