Enquiries: info@belsize.org.uk
Enquiries: info@belsize.org.uk
The Belsize Society (registered charity 1180842) is an amenity society covering Belsize ward, its adjacent areas, and historic environs. It is run by five Trustees and a Committee. The Society has over 500 households as members. It does not make profits and is non-political.
The Society has been a feature of the Belsize area since the 1970s in its previous guise as Belsize Residents Association (BRA). It became a charitable incorporated organisation in 2018. Belsize is a vibrant and historic part of London and the Society seeks to preserve and enhance this. Our activities depend on volunteers.
Membership is open to anyone with an interest in the Belsize area, with members primarily living in the area between Lyndhurst and Adelaide Roads from north to south and between Fitzjohns Avenue and the approaches to Fleet Road from west to east.
1. To promote for the benefit of the public high standards of architecture, conservation, planning, design, and use of buildings and infrastructure in and/or affecting Belsize Ward, its adjacent areas and its historical environs, and to promote the protection, development, and improvement of features of historic or public interest in that area.
2. To encourage and promote for the public benefit high standards in urban planning, infrastructure, and transport including in the identification of traffic solutions, the maintenance and improvement of streets and public places, the protection of the environment, and improvement of air quality in Belsize Ward, its adjacent areas and its historical environs.
3. To foster interest amongst the public in Belsize Ward, its adjacent areas and its historical environs, and to educate the public in the history, including natural history, and architecture, of the area by organising lectures, visits, and other events.
Checking all local planning and tree applications; commenting or objecting where appropriate. We also seek to influence planning policy.
Raising concerns about and responding to consultations on local public services, traffic, parking and transport. Meeting regularly with councillors to discuss local issues.
Providing information about local issues and activities through quarterly newsletters, two physical noticeboards, and this website. As well as publishing our annual booklet – "Traders You Can Trust" – listing trades persons recommended by our members.
The Society has two noticeboards; in Belsize Village and on Haverstock Hill. These are used to publicise community activities and provide community information. For guidance on displaying posters, see here.
Organising a programme of social events and activities.
We sometimes act as a channel of communication between the community and those who provide our public services. But we do not lobby or act directly on behalf of members, nor can we provide legal or planning advice.
The Belsize Society has five trustees, who are elected by the membership at the Annual General Meeting and serve three year terms. The current trustees are below. They meet as necessary and are supported by a committee.
The committee is also elected at the AGM. Committee members take responsibility for specific topics based on their particular interests and skills, and meet each month except August. Committee minutes are available here.
Prabhat is an economist in a consultancy, working on policy analysis. In the past he has been a civil servant in central government and worked in academia. He has been chair of BelSoc since 2012, being on the committee for planning prior to this. During his time on the committee, he's been involved in the transition of BelSoc to a charity and enjoyed organising the Society's events. Prabhat has lived in Belsize for almost 20 years and can be spotted at the theatre and cycling in our beautiful part of London..
David is a retired architect and development manager in social housing. He moved to Belsize Park in 2021, having previously lived in Primrose Hill for 13 years. He is particularly interested in preserving and enhancing the appearance of our area, is chair of the Belsize Conservation Area Advisory Committee and volunteers for Isokon and The Twentieth Century Society. He represents the Society on climate action in Camden and retrofit.
Sanya has been a committee member since 2018. As principal of Sanya Polescuk Architects (SPA), a local award-winning practice, Sanya has been helping the Society with matters of Planning. Sanya regularly showcases practice’s local projects to public during the annual Open House Festival and mentors architecture students from London Universities. Sanya co-founded NW3 CLT, the first North London’s Community Land Trust, in 2016. The Trust develops affordable housing in NW3 and adjoining postcodes.
Alan joined the committee in 2025, having retired after 38 years as a GP in his practice in Kingsbury. Living previously in West Hampstead, he co-founded and chaired CRASH (The Combined Residents Association of South Hampstead). He has lived in Belsize Park for over 30 years and cares deeply about its architecture, greenery and general appearance – and the fantastic people and its rich history. He monitors and responds to planning matters. He is also keen to enhance comms and attract new members, and is facilitating a new website and social media presence.
Chris joined the committee in February 2025. He is a former TV producer and ex-conference director. Chris is co-author of the book, Thinking the Unthinkable. Chris and his wife fell in love with Belsize nearly 30 years ago. Lately, he has been collaborating with Alan on the campaign to save Ye Olde Swiss Cottage pub and on public engagement on the 100 Avenue Road scheme. Chris is also interested in retrofitting; he co-organised the recent meeting on 'Retrofit v Conservation'.
Peter has been a member of the Society for several years. A former newspaper and television News Editor, he and his wife produce the annual ‘Traders You Can Trust’ booklet.