Concerns over Edgware Jewish cemetery plan (From Times Series)

Concerns over Edgware Jewish cemetery plan

7:20am Wednesday 7th October 2009

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ENVIRONMENTALISTS fear plans to extend a Jewish cemetery in Edgware could endanger wildlife in the area.

Trustees of Belsize Square Synagogue have applied to extend the Edgwarebury cemetery as their section in the current site, shared by four Jewish communities, will be full within five years.

However, environmental groups say plans to convert nearly three hectares of field on the Edgwarebury Lane site would have a huge impact on local bat and bird populations.

The plans, which are recommended for approval by Barnet councillors, come before the Hendon area planning sub-committee next Tuesday.

Keith Conway, a spokesman for the synagogue, said: “There is a pressing need for a new cemetery as our allocation is almost full.

“When people go to visit loved ones they often like to be able to visit other people who have deceased, so it makes sense to extend the current cemetery for the community, rather than locate it somewhere else.”

Concerns raised in the planning document include trees being cut down, affecting roosts for pipistrelle bats and rare birds.

Among the objectors to the plans are the RSPB, the London Wildlife Trust Barnet Group and several local residents.

Other worries include the effect on traffic in Clay Lane and disturbance to many horse riders who use the area and the potential of ruining views across an area which is designated as green belt.

The meeting starts at 7pm at Hendon Town Hall.

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