Hendon residents lose fight as council renews parklet licence
Barnet Council voted to extend the Brent Street parklet until January 2027 despite a petition signed by more than 500 locals.
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Barnet Council decided at a cabinet meeting on 15 September to allow the renewal of the licence for the parklet outside the Pita Street restaurant at 134 Brent Street, Hendon, extending its use to the end of January 2027. The decision means the small outdoor seating area will remain in place for the next twelve months, affecting nearby residents and businesses.
Opposition and petition
Hendon parklet licence to be renewed despite opposition
Barnet Council will allow the restaurant space to continue operating after a licence review.
Councillor Alex Praver, representing the Hendon ward, presented a petition that he said had been signed by over 500 local people, about 95 per cent of whom live in the immediate vicinity. He told the cabinet that residents “don’t want” the parklet and that it blocks parking spaces needed for new housing developments. The councillor added that he had received “hundreds of emails” from neighbours complaining about the site.
Council decision and rationale
Barnet Council replied that the licence renewal complies with an existing contract with the restaurant owner and that the council must honour that agreement, as confirmed by council leader Barry Rawlings. The council also noted that the parklet has not been shown to cause any recorded antisocial behaviour, a point reinforced by the community safety cabinet member.
Hendon shop owner fined for selling knife to teenager
Akif Durmaz of Hendon International Food pleaded guilty at Willesden Magistrates Court and was fined £3,080 plus £1,500 costs.
“There have been no recorded incidents of antisocial behaviour at the parklet.”
Sara Conway, cabinet member for community safety
Safety record and removal cost
Sara Conway, the cabinet member for community safety, said the council’s records show no incidents linked to the parklet and urged any concerns to be reported to police or the council. A council report estimated that dismantling the structure would cost between £2,000 and £5,000, a figure that the cabinet members said would need to be weighed against any perceived benefits of removal.
Policy review and next steps
Alan Schneiderman, cabinet member for environment and climate change, said the council takes a pragmatic approach to parklets across the borough and that a review of the parklet policy is due later this year. He added that the restaurant may decide whether to apply for a new licence after the current one expires, depending on the terms offered. Residents who remain opposed are encouraged to submit formal objections during the upcoming policy consultation.
Questions this report answers
+What decision did Barnet Council make about the Hendon parklet?
Barnet Council voted on 15 September to renew the licence for the parklet at 134 Brent Street until the end of January 2027. The decision keeps the outdoor seating area in place for the next year, despite a petition calling for its removal.
+How many residents signed the petition against the parklet?
Councillor Alex Praver said more than 500 local residents signed the petition, with about 95 per cent of signatories living in the immediate area. The petition was presented to the cabinet as evidence of community opposition.
+What cost does the council estimate for removing the parklet?
A council report puts the cost of dismantling the parklet between £2,000 and £5,000. The estimate was cited during the cabinet meeting as part of the discussion on whether removal is financially justified.
+Will there be another review of parklet policy?
Yes. Cabinet member Alan Schneiderman said the council will review its parklet policy later this year. The review will consider future licences, and the restaurant currently using the Brent Street site may decide to apply for a new licence after the current one ends.
Barnet Press News Desk
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