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School fears for future in town regeneration
Ross Lydall23 Sep 2009
A secondary school which would be demolished in plans to transform Brent Cross has appealed to councillors to safeguard its future.
Whitefield School, a sports academy that trains footballers, is among hundreds of objectors to the £4 billion town centre regeneration that will improve the shopping centre and provide 27,000 jobs and 7,550 homes.
Its headteacher spoke of his concerns as Barnet council's planning committee prepares to grant permission for the 20-year redevelopment. The school is one of three that would be rebuilt.
Whitefield fears being left with a smaller building and has concerns about its new location. Headteacher Martin Lavelle said: “The children who live here and the people who live here have to get the facilities they deserve.
“My understanding of what the new school may look like is vague. We want to have our say in what it looks like. But I'm not objecting to the regeneration.”
The developer — asset management firm Brookfield Europe and the shopping centre's owners, Hammerson and Standard Life — have promised almost £1 billion of community benefits, but Barnet has 511 objections and onlyeight letters of support.
Barnet says details concerning the school will be provided if a full planning application is submitted next year. David Lewis, Whitefield's chairman of governors, said: “As far as I know, we have received nothing concrete.”
The development would be the capital's biggest after the Olympic site. Work would start in 2012, although Whitefield would be in the second phase of works.
The date for the decision on the plans has been delayed until 20 October after the council received “detailed written representations”.
Planning committee chairwoman Maureen Braun will tonight ask members to delay the debate.
If the plans are approved, Mayor Boris Johnson will have two weeks to decide whether to use his power of veto. Opponents may seek a High Court review.
Lib-Dem Brent East MP Sarah Teather is demanding ministers call in the application. She said: “It's outrageous this has been recommended to get the go-ahead in defiance of the cries of objection.”
