Suburb gets 30th estate agency - and it's Foxtons

A campaign to stop a Foxtons branch opening in West Hampstead in London - extensively reported on Estate Agent Today - has failed.

Camden Council has approved plans for a new branch to occupy the former local post office, bringing the total number of estate agencies in the area to 30.

There was a flood of protests against the Foxtons proposal, including one from an existing family-owned estate agency which claimed that there were too many branches of agencies in the area already.

The Camden New Journal reports that council officer Oliver Nelson told a briefing for councillors that the plans would bring an active and established business into the unit that would be compatible with the parade in which it relates to. Whilst it has been mentioned there are a number of estate agents within the Town Centre, an A2 use is considered to be a compatible use within the Town Centre.

A campaign group called WHAT - West Hampstead Amenities and Transport - opposed the application and issued a statement saying: There are already estate agents in West Hampstead yet a dearth of properties for sale on the local market which has forced up prices so another estate agent is not needed and will not benefit local residents.

An estate agency in this double unit would not enhance this part of the high street the group insists.

Post office services are now being operating elsewhere the Foxtons applications insists the firm will provide increased variety, vibrancy and choice.

This all comes despite a volatile recent trading past for Foxtons.