Access lost
Residents have been excluded from the protected garden for more than five years.
Protected garden. Resident access. Final opportunity.
Residents have been kept out of a protected garden for years. Now permanent changes are being proposed.
We are aiming to secure a resident-controlled garden, separate from hotel use, protected for the long term.
We need a clear, legally robust arrangement before decisions become irreversible.
The issue
A protected garden should not become an extension of hotel operations.
For years, residents have been excluded from a legally protected communal garden while the hotel has expanded its operational use of the space without transparency or productive consultation. What should remain a protected green area for residents risks becoming permanently absorbed into private hotel operations, including access restrictions, servicing activity, and changes to the character and purpose of the garden itself.
Garden eroded
Protected garden land is being gradually absorbed into hotel-related use and infrastructure.
Permanent risk
Current proposals could permanently reduce resident access and control over the garden.
The plan
A unified resident-controlled garden.
Restored for residents and kept permanently separate from hotel operations. Under the proposal, Garden A would be managed by an independent Garden Management Committee on behalf of residents, with controlled access, clear boundaries, and protections against future encroachment. The objective is to restore the garden as a high-quality communal green space after years of exclusion and gradual absorption into the hotel's business use.
- Resident-controlled management
- Separate from hotel use
- Key-controlled access
- Maintained as a high-quality garden
Garden A
Resident-controlled protected garden.
Garden B
Separate garden area managed by the landowner and open during the day.
The location of Garden A and B is identified in an architect's drawing in the objection letter Forum Hotel Objection and Counter Proposal for Garden. These were submitted to RBKC as the formal Objection on behalf of AGSGA and ACGRA.
New Garden Plan - Credit: Philip Gumuchdjian
“A protected garden should serve residents, not be absorbed into a commercial operation.”
What happens next
The campaign aims to restore resident control, protect the garden from further encroachment, and secure a long-term solution that cannot quietly be reversed in future.
Restore access
Residents should regain access to a protected communal garden after years of exclusion.
Protect the garden
The protected garden should remain separate from hotel operations and commercial use.
Secure resident control
Garden A should be managed independently for residents through a formal long-term structure.
Create accountability
Changes to protected land should happen transparently, with proper scrutiny and resident involvement.
Get involved
Help protect Ashburn Gardens.
We need your support. Financial backing will help us challenge the proposals and fight for long-term protection of the garden.
Join the Campaign
Stay up to date, receive objection guidance and help show resident support.
Financial Support
Help fund legal advice, expert input and campaign materials.
Who we are
About AGSGA
The Ashburn Gardens Square Garden Association is made up of local residents and representatives who are committed to protecting the long-term future of the garden and securing meaningful resident control over the space.
FM
Friederike Maeda
AGSGA Member
AL
Alan Lester
AGSGA Co-opted Member
CB
Claudia Bronda
AGSGA Member
JF
James Fairrie
AGSGA Member
AS
Alison Sutherland
AGSGA Member
PG
Philip Gumuchdjian
AGSGA Co-opted Member
CD
Chris David
AGSGA Member
Questions
Quick answers
Garden A is the proposed resident-controlled protected garden. The objective is to restore and permanently protect a unified communal green space for residents, managed independently and kept separate from hotel operations.
The current planning and land swap process could permanently reshape how the protected garden is used and controlled. Residents believe this may be the final opportunity to secure meaningful long-term protections and resident access.
The campaign is being run by AGSGA (Ashburn Gardens Square Garden Association). We are local residents and representatives seeking to protect the long-term future of the garden and ensure residents have a meaningful voice in decisions affecting it.
You can join the campaign mailing list, submit objections, share information with neighbours and help support legal and campaign costs through donations.