Developer Places for Barnet wants to build the new homes at Park House, occupied by Monkey Puzzle Nursery, reports Grace Howarth, Local Democracy Reporter

Monkey Puzzle Nursery and (inset, credit Places for Barnet) the plans for Cherry Tree Quarter

Residents have criticised the scale and communication of plans for a nursery in East Finchley.

Developer Places for Barnet wants to build 70 new homes at Park House, which is located at 16 High Road and used by Monkey Puzzle Nursery and other education providers.

Places for Barnet is a partnership between Barnet Council and London Placemaking formed to assist in the future growth of Barnet.

On its consultation website the developer says the project, named Cherry Tree Quarter, would provide a new space for the nursery onsite as well as a “unique opportunity to celebrate an important gateway location”.

But more than 247 objections have been submitted by locals who say the proposals do not adhere to Barnet Local Plan’s capacity guidelines for the site and the interim and eventual replacement nursery “should be the same size” as the current one and have “privacy”.

People have also said they had “six days notice” to attend a pre-consultation meeting, which took place last month.

According to the Local Plan adopted earlier this month, Park House has an ‘indicative residential dwellings’ figure of 19.

A local resident, Tim Isaacs, said: “The early proposals for 70 flats on a small site are deeply worrying for local residents and bear no relation to what is in Barnet’s Local Plan. The future of a cherished nursery and educational institution is threatened.

“Narrow residential streets will be nightmarish for 18 months if used for huge construction vehicles. It is also very concerning that these early proposals appear to take little account of Barnet’s own rules around planning which would be strictly applied if a householder wanted to extend their property.”

Plans are at the pre-application stage but a spokesperson for Place for Barnet has responded saying they are “aligned with relevant planning policies”.

The spokesperson said: “We are pleased to announce that the initial consultation on the proposals for Cherry Tree Quarter, showcasing early design work, has taken place. We extend our gratitude to everyone who has taken the time to share their feedback. This valuable input has been considered as part of the ongoing design process.

“Looking ahead, there will be further consultations on more detailed plans, providing the public with additional opportunities to make their voices heard. These plans have been informed by discussions with planning officers at the pre-application stage and are aligned with relevant planning policies.

“We appreciate the community’s continued engagement and look forward to your participation in the upcoming consultations.”

More information on the scheme can be found via Places for Barnet’s consultation website.

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