Thank you to all those who took part in our previous consultation for the Alcove at the Rockery last year. Over recent months, we have been reviewing our design approach to provide a more open and active landscape and improve access to the Silk Stream. We have held discussions with planning officers on our revised proposals and are currently reviewing the latest feedback provided.
Our public consultation is now closed. However, you can still access our latest consultation boards below, and provide your thoughts and ask any questions you may still have by contacting TheJem@kandaconsulting.co.uk
The site is located between Hyde Estate Road and the Silk Stream River.
The existing site is comprised of a car sales centre with ancillary facilities and services.
Hyde Estate Road offers direct access to the Site. The road is accessed from Edgware Road which is a key route running from central London to Edgware.
Site location
Site Location with Consented Neighbouring Development
Forming the main route near the site, Watling Street is an ancient Roman road from 48 AD with its route from London to Wroxeter forming much of the A5 Road.
Today, the stretch of the A5/Edgware Road along the Site is locally referred to as “The Hyde”. This street continues to be a growth corridor in modern times.
Two small hamlets were founded at the centre of the parish: Colin Deep and the Hyde, the later located on Edgware Road at its junction with Kingsbury Road. The Hyde was formed of a dozen cottages and farmhouses by 1597 with very little expansion until the early 19th century.
Minutes walk south-west of the Site sees significant natural beauty. As early as 1835 construction began on the Brent Reservoir. At inception the reservoir measured 28 hectares and by 1853 expanded to 160 hectares.
Today it measures at 68 hectares and is a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). On the north-west shore lies the 9 hectare Welsh Harp Open Space park and nature reserve, established as a recreational area in 1965. The reservoir is a popular destination for sailing enthusiasts.
The 4 kilometre long Silk Stream brook that runs north-south, adjacent to the east boundary of the Site, is a tributary of the River Brent and joins at Brent Reservoir. The stream is a component of the Blue Ribbon Network and a site of Borough Importance for Nature Conservation, Grade II. The name Silk is believed to derive from Sulh or Sulc, probably from the Old English for plough or furrow.
Hendon has a unique history of industrial heritage. Of particular note was the Hendon Aerodrome, to the north of the Site, where aviation history was made between 1908 and 1968.
Between the years of 1926 and 1970, the land west and south of the Site were occupied by the Duple Coachworks, a leading British bus and coach manufacturer. At the height of the factory’s operation, 800 people were employed and the site produced 1,000 vehicles per year. They expanded into fuselage and military product manufacturing for the Halifax bomber and other needs during World War II.
During the period of industrial occupation, the Silk Stream has reduced and shifted away from the Site.
The ancient lines of the Silk Stream and old Watling Street sit disjointed with the contemporary urban grain left over from decades of industrial and enterprise growth.
Therefore, there is great opportunity to repair the natural and transport network interface with future placemaking.
1865 - Site occupied by arable land in the East and by the Silk Stream in the West. A5 road referred to as Watling Street.
1935 - Site occupied by arable land in the East and by the Silk Stream in the West. The Motor Body Works develops west of the site.
1955 - Ground works alter the land and the exposed Silk Stream shifts and shrinks east. Site occupied by small industrial sites east of the Duple Coachworks facilities. The stretch of A5 road takes its name from the locale, “The Hyde”.
1984 - Site occupied by yard space and car park.
1993 - Site occupied by a car sales centre and car park. The east-west segment of Hyde Estate Road is introduced.
2003 - Site continues to be occupied by a car sales centre and car park. Minor alterations in the context.
Watling Street
Welsh Harp / Brent Reservoir
The Silk Stream
The Hyde hamlet and its proximity to Brent Reservoir
Duple Coachworks
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