ByMarcus Dysch, Marcus Dysch
An Orthodox school in Golders Green school is to be rebuilt to increase its capacity.
The privately run Talmud Torah Tiferes Shlomo in Elmcroft Crescent currently educates 148 boys aged between three and seven but is struggling to accommodate them in its run-down prefabricated buildings.
New classrooms will enable it to cater for 210 pupils. They will be built around an open courtyard with a second courtyard serving as a playground.
Rooftop play areas will also be created, with fencing and vegetation around the premises.
The proposals were approved by a Barnet Council planning committee last week. Three neighbouring residents objected on the grounds that the development would impact on their privacy and increase traffic. The school will contribute £25,000 towards road improvements.
Liberal Democrat councillor Jack Cohen said afterwards that he was impressed with the proposed design.
“The existing building is in a poor state of repair and really not suitable at all. This new school will be a wonderful asset for the local community."