AN INDIAN restaurant could be knocked down to make way for 43 flats in West Hendon.

Under plans put forward to Barnet council, Raw Spice, on West Hendon Broadway, would be bulldozed to make way for a five-storey building.

The development would include 38 two-bed flats and five one-bed flats, along with a children’s play area, shared garden and basement parking. The ground floor of the block would also be used as retail space.

Planning officers have recommended the proposals are approved, provided a section 106 agreement– which ensures developers contribute to the community – is entered, which includes making seven of the flats affordable rent.

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Raw Spice restaurant, West Hendon Broadway

The developers could also have to pay £916,970 for the Barnet and Mayor of London Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) charges, which allocate money to local authorities depending on the amount of development in the area.

In a planning statement in February this year, Preston Bennett Planning, on behalf of Pharmchem Investments Ltd, said the scheme would contribute to meeting Barnet’s housing needs, and reduce the need for development on greenbelt land.

They also argued the site is currently underused, and that the “difficult economic period” had resulted in a drop off in trade for the restaurant. They said the retail space would add to the community's facilities in West Hendon, and counter any loss from the restaurant.

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The scheme, facing Cool Oak Lane, West Hendon

The council received 25 letters earlier this year objecting to the initial plans. These included fears of overcrowding, lack of parking, noise, pollution, and loss of privacy for people living nearby.

In response, the developers reduced the size of the building, and the number of flats from 51 to 43.

Three further objections were then received, which included objections about privacy for residents of Esmar Crescent, which backs onto the site, and a lack of parking spaces, which would have a “detrimental effect” on surrounding streets.

In a report to Barnet council’s Hendon area planning committee, council officers said: “It is considered that the development would provide significant additional housing within the borough for which there is known demand.

“The proposals would fit appropriately within the streetscene, have acceptable impact on highway safety, and would not significantly harm the amenities of neighbouring occupiers.”

The plans will be discussed in Hendon Town Hall tonight.

Raw Spice restaurant has been approached for comment.