Dollis Valley

Overview

The Dollis Valley regeneration scheme lies to the north of the borough at High Barnet, the last station on the Northern Line tube. The estate is on a south facing slope within an area of traditional suburban housing with excellent views across the adjacent Green Belt, which is considered to be of high quality and designated as both Heritage Land and a Countryside Conservation area. The estate was built in the late 1960s and early 1970s and comprises two and three storey houses and five storey flats and maisonettes. The regeneration of Dollis Valley will see the creation of a new sustainable neighbourhood with mixed tenure housing supported by community, health and transport facilities.

The council and residents are working in partnership to regenerate the estate with Warden Housing which is part of the Home Group Ltd, one of the largest registered social landlords (RSL) in England. For more information on RSLs, the technical name for social landlords that are registered with the Housing Corporation, go to www.housingcorp.gov.uk

In February 2005 the council’s Cabinet approved the Dollis Valley Vision Statement, which will form part of a Development Framework which will be finalised in 2006.

Download Dollis Valley Vision Statement Newsletter (PDF 175 KB).

Background and scheme proposal

Dollis Valley Estate - Aerial Photographs For years the estate has suffered from many of the problems of post war estates. In December 2003 Warden Housing (part of the Home Group) was chosen by residents and the council to take forward the regeneration of the estate. The proposed scheme seeks to make a significant contribution to creating a balanced and sustainable community.

The regeneration programme will involve the demolition of 436 flats and maisonettes and the provision of new affordable rented and shared equity homes for existing residents and homes for sale on the open market. On completion, the regeneration programme will deliver up to 1,100 new homes. There will be a combination of flats, houses and maisonettes for sale, rent and shared-ownership. A public square with retail and community facilities will be central to the new neighbourhood and create a link with the Green Belt.

Following consultation with residents and stakeholders, it is proposed that the new neighbourhood will have a traditional streetscape to support its integration into the surrounding suburban environment. The proposals seek to minimise the demolition necessary and the houses to the south of the estate, at Crocus Field and Meadow Close, will be retained and brought up to the "Decent Homes Standard" as part of a modernisation programme led by Barnet Homes.

Dollis Valley Planning Framework

Planning for redevelopment

In February 2005 Barnet’s Cabinet approved the first stage of a Development Framework for the estate by approving the Dollis Valley Vision Statement. It sets down the guiding principles and policies which form the parameters for the development of the Masterplan. A summary of the process can be found within the Vision Statement Newsletter.

The Masterplan

The next stage of the Planning Framework is the ‘Masterplan’, which is being developed by Warden Housing, in consultation with residents and stakeholders. The Masterplan sets out the proposed design and layout of the new neighbourhood, including new housing, community facilities and improved roads and access.

A Planning and Development Forum for residents and stakeholders of the Dollis Valley Estate and the wider community will be held and form part of the Planning Framework.

It is expected that, following extensive consultation, an outline planning application will be submitted early in the summer of 2006.

Partners

Warden Housing

Warden Housing, which is part of the Home Group, is Barnet Council's partner in the Dollis Valley regeneration programme. Warden Housing is a registered social landlord providing affordable housing in the South East of the county.

Warden Housing run regular surgeries every Wednesday from 3pm - 5pm at the Valley Centre, 37-38 Home Field, Dollis Valley Way.

For more information contact:

Kathleen Benjamin
Regeneration Officer
Email: kathleen.benjamin@homegroup.org.uk
Tel: 020 8582 2284
Website: www.warden.org.uk

Resident and community involvement

Dollis Valley Regeneration Association (DVRA)

Glasshouse design workshops for residents 2004 The DVRA was formed in 2002 to represent residents and put forward their views and concerns throughout the regeneration process. They meet every two weeks in the Valley Centre at 37-38 Homefield, Dollis Valley Way.

The DVRA are supported by Independent Tenant Advisors Dearle and Henderson. The role of the Independent Tenant Advisor is to provide information and support to residents and their representatives.

If you are a tenant or leaseholder and would like to get involved in the DVRA please contact:

Tim Thurston or Sue Robinson
Independent Tenant Advisors
Dearle and Henderson
Tel: (free phone) 0800 169 6086
Hours: 9.00am – 5.30pm, Mon.– Fri.
Email: dollis@d-h.co.uk

Dollis Valley Partnership Panel

Barnet Homes which currently manages Dollis Valley, has set up a Partnership Panel, which brings residents and officers together to look at the management of the estate. The panel currently meets on the third Tuesday of each month at the Rainbow Centre, Dollis Valley Way. For more information please contact Barnet Homes on 020 8359 3677.

Dollis Valley Community Network

The Dollis Valley Community Network, which was formed in 2005, is a voluntary organisation led by local residents and community organisations.

The network aims to identify and promote activities that will enrich the lives of residents living in Dollis Valley, with the key focus on the needs of Dollis Valley Estate residents. It will play a key role in the wider regeneration of Dollis Valley, providing a means for the community to voice its needs and priorities, through community activities.

If you would like more information on the network or are interested in membership please contact:

Rachele Davidson
Neighbourhood Worker
Warden Housing Association
Email: rachele.davidson@homegroup.org.uk
Mobile: 07921472993

John Milleret
Housing Officer
Barnet Homes
Email: jon.milleret@barnethomes.org
Tel 020 8359 3677

Or visit www.dollisvalley.org.uk