The East Area Committee of Barnet Council met on Monday 23 September 2024. The committee awarded full funding for the Church Lane Community Garden project. Decisions on the Hayes Crescent Road Renewal and the New Southgate Recreation Ground Inclusive Playground were deferred to the next meeting for further consideration. The committee also noted updates on area committee funding and road safety initiatives.

Area Committee Funding Updates

The committee noted the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding available for allocation during 2024/25, as well as the current CIL amount. They also received an update on the Road Safety and Parking Fund available for the same period. The total budget available for new schemes from the CIL was £238,295, with £218,807 remaining in the Road Safety & Parking Fund.

Church Lane Community Garden Funding Approved

The committee unanimously approved a funding award of £57,282 for the Church Lane Community Garden in East Finchley. Councillor Claire Farrier, supported by Councillor Arjun Mittra, presented the application, highlighting that the project aims to improve the appearance and safety of the area, which is considered the original heart of East Finchley village. Councillors Hutton, Mittra, Farrier, and Moore all declared non-pecuniary interests as they live in close proximity to the site. The funding will be used for planters and to enhance the existing footpath, continuing the work of the East Finchley Pollinator Corridor project and supporting biodiversity.

Hayes Crescent Road Renewal Deferred

A decision on the £138,767.48 application for road renewal on Hayes Crescent in Golders Green was deferred to the next meeting for further consideration. Councillor Dean Cohen MBE presented the case, explaining the need for footway relay works. However, concerns were raised about the road's priority on the borough's list and whether using area committee funds was the most appropriate route, given the existence of the Improving Barnet Roads programme. Councillor Anne Hutton proposed deferring the item to allow for clarification on its priority and comparison with other needs across the borough. This motion was carried with five votes in favour and three against.

New Southgate Recreation Ground Inclusive Playground Deferred

The application for £129,901.77 for an inclusive playground at New Southgate Recreation Ground in Brunswick Park Ward was also deferred to the next meeting for further consideration. It was noted that not all supporting documents were made available to committee members, preventing an informed decision. Despite an attempt to circulate designs during the meeting, the committee ultimately agreed to defer the item to allow members sufficient time to review the necessary information properly.

Other Matters

The committee also noted that an application for CCTV at Pardes House Primary School, submitted by Councillor Jennifer Grocock, had been deferred pending further clearance from officers. Councillor Dean Cohen MBE declared a non-pecuniary interest in this item as he is a school governor. The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed as a correct record. A resident issue regarding pavement replacement works in Temple Fortune was noted, with a written response published and circulated, and the committee resolved to take no further action.