Hendon parklet licence to be renewed despite opposition

Barnet Council has confirmed that a licence for a parklet outside the Pita Street restaurant in Hendon will be renewed. The decision was made by a cabinet member on Tuesday, allowing the restaurant to continue using the space at 134 Brent Street when its current licence expires at the end of January next year.

Opposition to the parklet

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Councillor Alex Prager, ward member for Hendon, presented a petition containing over 500 signatures from residents who oppose the parklet. He argued that the structure should be removed, citing a significant increase in demand for parking bays in the area, partly due to nearby residential developments. Councillor Prager stated that he had received numerous emails from residents complaining about the parklet, which occupies the space of approximately three car parking bays. He also claimed that the petition, which began with a smaller number of signatures, gained widespread support after being shared on social media. The petition also alleged that the parklet had become a 'magnet for antisocial behaviour', with concerns raised about women feeling intimidated by people loitering around the space at night.

However, Councillor Sara Conway, the council's cabinet member for community safety, stated that there had been no recorded incidents of antisocial behaviour associated with the parklet. She noted that similar structures had been removed in other parts of Barnet where such behaviour was reported and encouraged residents to report any concerns to the police or the council.

Council's rationale and future policy

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Alan Schneiderman, cabinet member for environment and climate change, described the council's approach to parklets as pragmatic. He suggested it was not in a business's interest to pay for a facility that is not being used. Councillor Prager countered that the majority of local residents opposed the parklet, while only one business wished to retain it and was willing to pay. He described the decision to keep it as 'a no-brainer' and suggested that retaining it would mean 'essentially ignoring' residents and nearby shop owners.

Barry Rawlings, leader of the council, disagreed, stating that the council and the restaurant had a contract that must be honoured. He added that the council should not penalise a business that had followed the rules. The council's report estimated the cost of removing the parklet to be between £2,000 and £5,000. Councillor Schneiderman also indicated that the council plans to conduct a review of its parklet policy, which may affect future decisions on renewals.