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

Chinmaya Mission UK stages a protest at the car park

A faith group has pleaded with 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 see 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 rotunda building and hundreds of student flats for Middlesex University, under the Ravensfield House and Fenella buildings application which forms part of the wider Hendon Hub programme.

Chinmaya Mission UK, a Hindu organisation based opposite the car park, organised a silent protest last Sunday, 30th June. The campaigners flyered cars and pleaded with 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 neighbouring roads instead and that there would be “limited access” for elderly and disabled individuals visiting local places of worship.

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

Suresh Wadhwani, president of Chinmaya Mission UK, said: “While we acknowledge the need for urban development, we are deeply concerned about the impact of the proposed loss of parking and access on the three vibrant religious organisations that have been serving the area for decades.

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

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

But Brad Blitz, a member of Hendon Residents Planning Forum, said: “It’s astonishing that the council needs to be minded that congregants, including families with elderly relatives and young children, need accessible car parking in order to enjoy their rights to worship.”

A council spokesperson said: “The Ravensfield and Fenella application was considered by the strategic planning committee on 20th February following a public consultation that generated in excess of 200 representations.

“The committee heard representations from objectors to 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 committee report prepared by officers.

“Following careful consideration of the issues, the strategic planning committee voted to approve the application, subject to referral to the mayor of London and completion of the legal agreement.

“The Greater London Authority subsequently wrote to the London Borough of Barnet (LBB) on 4th June, advising that the mayor is happy for LBB to determine the application in accordance with the committee resolution.”

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