“ Though we (Barnet Residents Association) supported the scheme in principle, in our submission on the planning application we objected to the fourth floor and to the entrance in Chipping Close. We subsequently acknowledged that we missed the overlooking issue and at our AGM gave a commitment to residents in Chipping Close that we would pursue that,which indeed we did. Planning committee members did not question the fourth floor but their reasons for rejection mirrored the arguments we made on the two other issues.
Residents against the scheme have run a very energetic campaign and those who spoke at the planning meeting made excellent presentations. That said, the councillors did not go along with the many other issues put forward regarding parking, daylight, economic impact, bulk etc. Indeed in summing up the committee chairman indicated his support for the scheme. The position taken by the planning committee accorded with our view. Despite the opposition all contact we have had around the town indicates that residents are overwhelmingly in favour. That said, Chipping Close does deserve a better deal and we now await how Premier will deal with that. ”