A GOVERNMENT inspector is set to rule over a controversial proposal to extend a Jewish cemetery into Green Belt land.

A four day inquiry was held last week into a planning application by the Trustees of Belsize Square Synagogue to create extra burial ground at Edgwarebury Cemetery, in Edgwarebury Lane.

The project would involve developing on field space surrounding the current cemetery to create 2.97 hectares of additional grave space for the Synagogue's use, which is one of four Jewish communities who use the area.

A Barnet Council report admitted the Synagogue has “all but exhausted their allotted burial space” and officers had recommended the expansion plans for approval last year.

But the recommendation was rejected by the majority of councillors on the Hendon area planning committee at a meeting in October, and last week's hearing at Hendon Town Hall, in The Burroughs, followed an appeal by the applicants to that original decision.

In the closing submission by the appellant, made by their solicitor Sasha White, he claimed the proposal is “harmless” and said: “You simply could not have a more passive and unobtrusive proposal for additional burial facilities.”

He said the plans clearly maintain the openness of the site and are “compatible with the purposes of green belt designation”.

Mr White insisted there is a “compelling need” for the burial spaces and said there are no alternatives to the site, adding there would be no impact on the ecological interests of the ground.

He said “the consequences of a refusal are almost beyond contemplation” and warned the communities would face a race against time to find additional sites to cater for their needs.

Much of the opposition came from a group of passionate conservationists who were concerned about the impact the development would have on the ecology of the area.

They admitted at both hearings that they were not fully opposed to any development but feared the removal of trees or the laying of a large number of marble slabs would cause significant damage to wildlife they have observed living in the area, including rare Eurasion Hobbie Falcons, bats and slow worms.

They were also concerned about the removal of part of an ancient hedgerow, although the applicants assured the hearing that an additional 400m of hedge would be planted.

The solicitor acting on behalf of the council, Alexander Booth, told the hearing that the application represented a “significant development project” and reiterated the authority's initial concerns surrounding the visual impact of the scheme.

Mr Booth said in conclusion that council members were “correct to reject” the officer's recommendation and added: “The harm which the extension would cause to the Green Belt in terms of its adverse impact on visual amenity is very significant.

“The proposals would have a materially detrimental effect on one of the key characteristics of Clay Lane, namely the views it affords across open land.”

A series of “strict and thorough” conditions, regarding the provision of parking spaces, the cutting or pruning of trees, and measures to protect the ecological value of the site, were agreed by both parties and will be imposed if the plans are passed.

The Government inspector, Jennifer Vyse, who chaired the hearing, said she would release the details of the outcome no later than the week commencing August 9.