NEIGHBOURS are hopeful a public inquiry into rejected plans to allow a school to build a “dangerous” access route on their doorstep will settle a 17-year feud.

University College School had hoped to move the entrance of its sports ground, in Ranulf Road, Cricklewood, to the sharp bend where Hocroft Avenue and Farm Avenue meet.

But when this was rejected by Barnet Council’s planning committee last year, the school appealed the decision and a four-day public inquiry into the matter will start on Monday, October 13.

People living in the surrounding areas have been against the plans since they were first submitted, and then rejected, in 1999.

Graham Barber, of Farm Avenue, said: “We aren’t angry the school are doing what they think is right for them, but we think they have got it wrong. We’ve had a petition going round and 90 of our neighbours are against this.

“We are a democratic country and if a decision fails to be made in our favour, we’d accept that. We’d also expect the school to do the same.

“The headteacher of the school told me he wants this resolved once and for all. I am hoping that if it goes against them, they will accept that it has been.”

In 1999, the council rejected the proposal because it would make an “already dangerous road less safe”.

Mr Barber, and his neighbours Jonathan Caplin, Sidney Myers and Andrew Barnett, have all employed a barrister to speak in their favour at the three-day inquiry.

They all feel the changes would cause hazardous traffic jams and potential crashes on their street.

At last year’s planning committee, Mr Barber, 63, said: “If this is approved it’s an accident waiting to happen. I wouldn’t want death or serious injury on my conscience. It’s dangerous.”

The £6 million proposals included a 25-space car park, as well as plans to knock down its old pavilion and replace it with a new building.

But Mr Barber stressed he and his neighbours are not against redevelopment – but do not want to see a new access route on their doorstep.

The school previously told the Times Series: “Currently the local roads can be burdened with traffic for collection and parking. By providing on-site parking for coaches and cars we hope to ease pressure on surrounding streets.

“We actually feel allowing vehicles to access the site at Farm Avenue is a much safer option.”

UCS headteacher Mark Beard said: "The public inquiry follows local objections to some aspects of a scheme to improve the school's sports facilities.

“The improvement scheme has been very carefully prepared, in full consultation with Barnet Council and the local community, so we are hopeful that the inspector will find in our favour for the long-term benefit of the pupils of both UCS and visiting schools."

The public inquiry will start at 10am at Hendon Town Hall.