Hendon parklet licence renewed despite resident opposition

Barnet Council has decided to allow the renewal of a licence for a parklet located at 134 Brent Street in Hendon. The outdoor dining space, used by the Pita Street restaurant, will remain in place when its current licence expires at the end of January next year.

Resident Concerns Raised

The decision to permit the licence renewal was met with opposition from Councillor Alex Prager, who represents Hendon ward. Councillor Prager presented a petition with more than 500 signatures from local residents who, he stated, do not want the parklet to remain. He also reported receiving numerous emails from residents complaining about the structure, which he described as being approximately three car parking spaces in length. Councillor Prager mentioned that nearby shop owners had expressed concerns about losing business due to a reduction in available parking.

The petition also claimed the parklet had become a focal point for antisocial behaviour, with Councillor Prager relaying a complaint about women feeling intimidated at night due to people congregating around the area. However, Councillor Sara Conway, the council's cabinet member for community safety, stated that there have been no recorded incidents of antisocial behaviour associated with the parklet. She added that similar structures elsewhere in Barnet had been removed when such issues were reported.

Contractual Obligations Cited

Councillor Alan Schneiderman, cabinet member for environment and climate change, suggested a pragmatic approach to parklets across the borough and questioned the business's willingness to pay for a facility if it was not being used. Councillor Prager countered that the majority of local residents opposed the parklet, while only one business wished to retain it. He argued that removing the parklet was a clear choice and that allowing it to stay would mean disregarding residents and local businesses.

Barry Rawlings, the council leader, stated that the council and the restaurant owner had entered into a contract that must be honoured. He added that the authority should not penalise a business that has complied with the rules and acted appropriately. A council report estimated the cost of removing the parklet to be between £2,000 and £5,000.

Future Policy Review

Councillor Schneiderman indicated that a review of the council's parklet policy is scheduled. He noted that during this review, the Hendon restaurant may decide whether to renew its agreement based on the revised terms that are offered.