In the introduction to its excellent "Greening the Garden Suburb" report, prepared in 1994, English Heritage wrote:

"In Hampstead Garden Suburb, the planned pattern of roads and open spaces and the views they create are as valuable as the buildings themselves. A potential threat to the remarkable unity of this early 20th century estate arises from pressures for the more effective management of traffic and parking and from routine maintenance decisions. Left uncoordinated and uncontrolled, these pressures can lead to a significant diminution in the character and appearance of the conservation area. The erosion of the townscape by small-scale incremental changes may cumulatively have a major adverse impact."

In July 2006, a proposal by the HGS Residents Association's Conservation and Amenities Committee (Consam) for the preparation of Design Guidelines for the Public Realm was welcomed by London Borough of Barnet’s Highways and Heritage officers and the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport. A draft was prepared by Consam, drawing on the Greening report, and subsequently negotiated with the Council’s Highways and Heritage officers. The majority of matters were agreed; the remainder, on which it is hoped that agreement can be reached in subsequent discussion, are documented in an appended Residents Association Position Paper.

The Design Guidelines cover such matters as signs, posts, road markings, street lighting, street furniture and street trees; and standards for maintaining pavements, verges, carriageways, and footpaths.

To read the full document, click here (pdf).

Although LB Barnet has agreed to use its best endeavours to comply with these Guidelines, mistakes can occur. Residents are encouraged to assist the Residents Association and LBB by reporting any breaches of these standards and deficiencies in maintenance of public spaces by emailing consam@hgs.org.uk