UPDATE: COUNCIL MEETING 20/02
by PROFESSOR BRAD BLITZ:
Hendon residents turned out in large numbers for the latest round in the Hendon Hub saga.
What a farce!
Councillors were unaware of the rules, procedure, as well as the substance of applications that had been presented in a deliberately confusing manner by the planning team - as supported by the Labour leadership. In the meeting, councillors also abrogated their constitutional and fiduciary obligations to the people of Barnet.
Credit to Cllr Alex Prager who spoke eloquently on behalf of the thousands of residents and faith communities that oppose this development.
Ameet Jogia, Conservative candidate for Hendon also spoke on behalf of residents and the impact that the development would have on them, and in particular the Hindu community and Chinmaya Mission.
David Pinto-Duschinsky, the Labour candidate attended and was seen chatting to residents and Labour councillors but did not speak.
There were surprisingly helpful interventions from Cllr Eva Greenspan who opposed the development.
The application was PASSED with the Labour chair Cllr Nigel Young casting the deciding vote.
Only Cllr. Claire Farrier stood against Labour to oppose the development, though Cllr Rishikesh Chakraborty recused himself and made reference to his past objection.
Having rejected the Hendon Hub in opposition, on the grounds of its impact and financial risk, Barnet Labour is now advocating for this development to go ahead and have made specious arguments in their defence.
Labour councillors Richard Barnes, Paul Lemon, Nigel Young, and Rabbi Danny Rich dismissed the thousands of objections from residents, and the faith communities affected to approve this development.
Residents and the Hindu and other faith communities are seeking advice and will respond formally in due course.
Further action awaits. News coming soon!
YOU CAN WATCH THE MEETING HERE: Hendon Hub discussed from 38:12