Radlett Synagogue is hoping to get the go-ahead for a major redevelopment of its Watling Street site.
November 27, 2008 09:53ByJay Grenby, Jay Grenby
Radlett Synagogue is hoping to get the go-ahead for a major redevelopment of its Watling Street site, provided "councillors and planning officials do what they say they are going to do", shul vice-chair David Kohler has revealed.
Hertsmere Council granted conditional planning permission in January for the demolition of the former village hall in which the shul is located for replacement with a two-storey state-of-the-art synagogue, subject to agreement on parking.
A last-minute amendment allowed for 15 parking spaces behind adjoining houses owned by the shul, with consent remaining conditional on parking issues being resolved in meetings between synagogue, council and local residents' representatives.
At the last of these meetings earlier this month, it was agreed to return to the original application, without parking provision. The application is now expected to go back to the planning committee with recommendation for unconditional approval.
Mr Kohler believes the synagogue's soon-to-be-published Green Travel Plan - which will advise on how to get there by means other than car - contributed to the decision to revive the original application.
"It was made absolutely clear to the local authority that Radlett shul, as part of the United Synagogue, would not in any case permit the use of any on-site parking spaces on Shabbat or festivals."
The hope is that the planning committee will give the go-ahead before the end of January.