A BID to expand Barnet Museum has been narrowly rejected.

The proposals to extend the museum in Wood Street, Barnet onto part of the park behind would have made it wheelchair accessible, and enlarged its exhibition space and educational centre.

But it was turned down by Barnet Council’s planning committee last night (November 26), on the casting vote of Councillor Melvin Cohen, Conservative chairman of the committee.

Officers had recommended it was refused because of a loss of open space and for its impact on the listing building.

Michael Norohha, a trustee of the museum, told the committee: “The museum now faces two options – stay the same, or to expand. Staying the same would be a backwards step.

“When not open to the public, it hosts schools or other group visits. More importantly, the museum does not have disabled access. We are ashamed and embarrassed to discriminate against people with mobility issues.

“It will create interest in our town and boost the local economy. It needs a museum that is ready for the future. This application is strongly supported by people in Barnet and beyond.”

Mr Norohha said people regularly drank in the park behind in the museum, and that “semi-naked blokes wrestling” had been seen there.

He added: “It is a secluded haven for drugs and drunks.”

Speaking in favour, Labour councillor Paul Edwards, whose Underhill ward covers the site, said it would benefit the whole borough.

Cllr Edwards said: “Last term alone more than 500 schoolchildren and students visited this museum. This development will increase the educational resources available to our schools, and provide much needed study area.

“This would increase equal access. I believe the benefits to the community outweigh the objections.”

He said it would boost the local economy by bringing more visitors to Barnet, and said the park behind was sometimes used by drinkers.

Cllr Edwards said: “I am not sure it is such a big loss given the advantages brought by development of the museum.”

But Conservative councillor Wendy Prentice pointed out the museum was only open about two days a week.

She said: “This is a conservation area, and therefore should be seen as such.”

Cllr Prentice added: “I strongly worry about you saying it (the park) is used by drinkers, therefore we should build on it.”

Cllr Edwards denied that was his argument.

Judith Clouston, from the Barnet Society, said the extension would take up a tiny part of the park’s open area.

She added: “This is not a case of privatising public space for profit. The extension has been carefully designed.”

The vote was split along party lines, with Conservative councillors voting against it and Labour voting for. Conservative councillor Sury Khatri abstained.