Hampstead Garden Suburb
A land trust to preserve character and amenity

Hampstead Garden Suburb was designed to complement Golders Green underground station. Initiated in 1906 with the acquisition of land by the Hampstead Garden Suburb Trust the vision was “so to lay out the ground that every tree may be kept, hedgerows duly considered, and the foreground of the distant view preserved, if not as open fields, yet as a gardened district, the buildings kept in harmony with the surroundings”. The plans incorporated natural plot divisions, public gardens and street trees.

The need to “preserve the present character and amenities” of the Garden Suburb was recognised early in the process. As a not for profit company, the Hampstead Garden Suburb Trust administers leaseholds and freeholds and acts as an estate manager. A ground rent is charged, which is used to maintain streets and public spaces. The Trust employs a landscape consultant who can also help residents with problems involving gardens, hedges and trees.

Sources:
1. Hampstead Garden Suburb (2003) Home page, http://www.hgs.org.uk
2. Saint, A et al (1999) London suburbs, Merrell Holberton