Andrew Dismore

What got me really wound up this month was Barnet Council’s woeful performance in attempting to defend the planning appeal over the controversial scheme for the land next to Mill Hill cemetery. They were so out of their depth that they threw in the towel after the first morning of a 4 day hearing. Barnet really needs a root and branch review of its largely privatised planning function which is seriously underperforming across the board.

I met with Deputy Mayor for Planning Jules Pipe to discuss strategic issues locally, including housing developments and the protection of the green belt.

I wrote a letter of support For Kisharon’s planning application.

 

And an objection to the Chequers Pub planning application to turn it into a nursery.

 

At MQT I took the opportunity to raise Barnet’s bad landlord mayors, now that there has been a second one.

 

And also Conservative Westminster City Council’s Homeless Deportation Housing Policy.

 

The Regeneration Committee focussed on the Olympic Park site and we questioned the Legacy Development Corporation, including following up on our visit to meet artists who face displacement as a result of the regeneration schemes there.