Leïla Davaud on the community group’s fight against City Hall’s controversial decision
A community campaign group is raising funds to challenge the Greater London Authority in the courts following a controversial planning decision.
Our North Finchley is fighting back after Deputy Mayor of London Jules Pipe overturned Barnet Council’s refusal of plans for a major housing development at the Great North Leisure Park (GNLP).
The group’s community gathering and walkathon, held on 14th June, was originally planned as a celebration of North Finchley and an opportunity to raise funds for local charities.
The event took on new importance for the members after the deputy mayor approved the development at City Hall in May.
The scheme put forward by developers Regal/Arad would transform the GNLP site with thousands of new homes across a series of high-rise tower blocks. Barnet Council refused planning permission last year, citing concerns over the scale and impact of the development.
In response to the deputy mayor’s decision, Our North Finchley is now preparing what it says is its final remaining option: seeking a Judicial Review of the approval process.
Speaking to Barnet Post on behalf of the campaign, George Ttoouli said: “The community remains determined to continue the fight. The walkathon was planned back in January to support local charities.”
“After Jules Pipe’s decision, we decided to ask for more support to face the legal challenge. We need to pay lawyers and a barrister, and we want to make sure we are able to keep challenging this decision for the sake of the community.”
More than 70 people attended the event to rally behind the campaign. “We managed to raise around £6,000, which brings the total amount raised through our online fundraiser to about £11,000. We are grateful.”
Our North Finchley needs an additional £6,000 in order to be ready to take action as soon as its legal advisers “come up with a plan”, he explained.
“We believe there may be grounds to challenge the approval and we are awaiting final advice from our legal team.”
The group said it had been overwhelmed by the community response and its generosity.
“We won’t stop,” said George. “We’re taking a little break between our actions on the ground, but we’ll be back. Maybe with a bowling tournament at Hollywood Bowl. The important thing is that people show up.”
To support Our North Finchley’s campaign, visit its fundraising page at www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-our-north-finchley-campaign.
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