Campaigners wait on High Court decision over new primary school (From Times Series)
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Campaigners wait on High Court decision over Etz Chaim Jewish Primary School in Mill Hill
1:22pm Thursday 11th October 2012 in News
By Chris Hewett
Campaigners fighting the building of a new primary school in Mill Hill are taking their case to the High Court today.
A group of residents angry at plans for the Etz Chaim Jewish School, in Daws Lane, Mill Hill, are seeking an injunction to halt building work that has already begun.
The group claims the site, formerly owned by Wyevale Garden Centre, should be retained for community use.
The former garden centre was used by a number of community groups for the elderly and disabled before it was shut down by owners and sold to the school trust.
The school has already started three classes in the former Sea Scouts building over the road.
Campaigners claim to have lined up buyers who say they would build community facilities on the site.
Barnet Borough Council’s planning committee granted permission for the independent school despite fierce opposition from residents.
However, the decision underwent a judicial review, which found the authority did not carry out a proper impact assessment on the local area before granting permission.
A subsequent consultation was carried out and the planning permission was approved last year.
Opponents to the building are today awaiting a decision by the high court on whether or not the building should go ahead.
Barnet Council said it would not comment on the hearing until a decision was made.
No-one from the school has been available for comment.
Comments(7)
NW7 James
says...
9:46pm Thu 11 Oct 12
1. The site was sold to the school trust not the contractors
2. There are 3 classes within the temporary site (so the opponents are attempting to distrupt the lives of some 90 children).
3. The temporary site is not the former sea cadet home but their current home. In September 2013 they will join Etz Chaim on the old garden centre site which will become their home too.
4. I do not think a "buyer" has ever been identified by the school's opponents. I for one question if they actually exist
5. Most of the fierce opposition to the school was, I understand, based on inaccuracies and incorrect Infomation. Furthermore the school benefits from widespread support in the community
6.there has never been a JR regarding this site. Has the journalist seen any court papers on this matter?
7. Planning consent was granted this year
8. The schools opponents attempt to obtain an injunction failed today when the judge rejected the school's opponent's Yet another waste of public funds ... Again !!!!!
Chris Everington
says...
10:29pm Thu 11 Oct 12
NW7 James
says...
12:15am Fri 12 Oct 12
I appreciate your concern for my state of mind but I am not attempting to change the minds of the anti school brigade. That boat sailed a long time ago!! As you point out they have been on the wrong side of each decision every time a decision has been made with this school. I hate to think what this recent court hearing has cost them, their supporters, the school and us poor tax payers who have to fund their, frankly, petty fight! Frankly I fail to understand not only their arguments but also their passion to wreck the lives of primary school pupils. It's quite sad really.
My frustration with the article is that the journalist has either written his article without the full facts or has ignored them. The facts of the case are pretty much a matter of public record ... Maybe next time he'll do a bit more research.
Oh we'll on to the next crusade ... Maybe we can find an old people's home or a hospital for this lot to oppose next!!!!
not a nimby
says...
10:43am Fri 12 Oct 12
For anyone who didn't know - the court has ruled that the current works can continue.....
not a nimby
says...
10:47am Fri 12 Oct 12
Pegasus_1943
says...
11:20am Fri 12 Oct 12
not a nimby says...
6:23pm Thu 11 Oct 12
The opponents are still trying to stop the school being built at all and to stop the current works from continuing.
They have applied for a judicial review and a judge is considering whether they should be granted one.
Please Hendon Times, can you ensure your reporters get their facts correct. You are supposed to report the facts. I expect an amended article to follow with the outcome of today's ruling please.