Community groups protest loss of Hendon car park

The car park is to be built as part of the wider Hendon Hub redevelopment, local Democracy Reporter Grace Howarth reports

A religious group has called on Barnet Council to ‘reconsider’ plans to build over a car park as part of the ‘Hendon Hub’ redevelopment.

The large-scale scheme – already approved by the council’s planning committee – will result in the loss of a “much-needed” car park located at the junction of The Burroughs and Egerton Gardens.

It will make way for a five-storey round building and hundreds of student flats for Middlesex University, within the Ravensfield House and Fenella application, which is part of the wider Hendon Hub scheme.

Chinmaya Mission UK, a Hindu organization based opposite the car park, organized a silent protest last Sunday 30 June. Campaigners presented cars and asked the council to be “sensitive” to the needs of the local community.

They claim there is a risk of “increased traffic congestion” as more people park on neighboring roads and there would be “limited access” for elderly and disabled people visiting local places of worship.

This will create “serious disruption” to the community, they say.

Suresh Wadhwani, Chairman of Chinmaya Mission UK, said: “While we recognize the need for urban development, we are deeply concerned about the impact of the proposed loss of parking and access on the three vibrant faith-based organizations that have served the area for decades. .

“Although the council has a stated objective to protect community facilities, without careful consideration and consultation with affected organisations, the proposed development runs counter to the council’s own objectives.”

In response, the council says it heard representation from objectors “which included Chinmaya Mission” when it discussed the plans at a planning committee meeting.

But Hendon Residents Planning Forum member Brad Blitz said: “It’s amazing that the council has to consider that congregations, including families with elderly relatives and young children, need accessible parking to enjoy their rights to worship”.

A council spokesman said: “The Ravensfield and Fenella application was considered by the strategic planning committee on February 20 following a public consultation which generated over 200 submissions.

“The commission heard submissions from opponents of the proposal, which included the Chinmaya Mission. All matters relating to the removal of the car park and its potential implications were fully considered and addressed in the commission report prepared by the officers.

“After careful consideration of the issues, the strategic planning committee has voted to approve the application, subject to referral to the Mayor of London and finalization of legal agreement.

“The Greater London Authority subsequently wrote to the London Borough of Barnet (LBB) on 4 June advising that the Mayor was happy for the LBB to determine the application in accordance with the committee’s resolution.”

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