Development plans for Hendon spearheaded by Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, which were submitted by Barnet’s Labour Council, threaten the running of one of London’s most prominent Hindu Temples, Chinmaya Mission.
The recently renovated Chinmaya Kirti in Hendon is a centre of learning, promoting the universal wisdom of Vedanta. The Chinmaya Kirti is currently threatened by Labour’s plan to close their adjacent car park for student accommodation for Middlesex University. The plans have faced widespread opposition by the local community and residents as it would the running of a local Church and Synagogue.
Chinmaya Mission has been rallying the community to support their campaign against Labour’s plan, which would not only result in a loss car parking in the area but lead to a rise in anti-social behaviour in the area. Suresh Wadhwani, the Trustee and President of the Chinmaya Mission UK said, “While we support urban development, we have a number of concerns about the lack of consultation and the design of the proposals in place.
“Such large-scale student accommodation in a predominantly family-based neighbourhood with three places of worship next to each other threatens our community’s freedom of worship.
“We need reassurance and specific proposals as to how parking and access will be addressed for three vibrant religious organisations that have been serving the community for decades.
“We are encouraged by the number of comments raised by the public ahead of the Mayor's decision on the proposals. We hope that the opportunity is now taken to stop and re-think the proposals to ensure the objections raised are properly considered and any proposals adequately balance the needs of the local area.”
Local campaigner Brad Blitz said, “It’s astonishing that Barnet Council is pursuing the Hendon Hub development which is universally unpopular with residents as demonstrated by the Save Hendon campaign. There are no discernible benefits for residents.”
Local Conservative Parliamentary Candidate, Ameet Jogia who was born in Hendon and a regular attendee at the Chinmaya Mission is leading the opposition against the development plans, “This development would not only adversely affect Chinmaya Mission Hindu Temple, but also several other religious organisations in the area. Hendon is one of the most diverse constituencies in the country and I am committed to supporting all communities, hence my opposition to this development.”
Ameet continues to lobby the Mayor of London to reconsider his plans for Hendon.
Barnet Council Labour Group approached Asian Voice and told us in a statement, “The Hendon Hub, including the use of the car park, was originally developed under a Conservative council administration, and passed by a planning committee with a Conservative majority. The Mayor of London has had no involvement in the development of the proposal beyond being consulted recently in his statutory planning role. The current Labour council has been working with Middlesex University to address resident concerns about the original scheme, including ensuring Hendon Library remains in its historic setting, and that the scheme is financially viable.
"We have not been approached by the Chinmaya Mission about the car park but are always happy to speak to local organisations about their concerns."
