Trees for chop as church expands
CHERISHED trees around a Grade II-listed church in the heart of Muswell Hill are to be "sacrificed" to make way for a car park.
Residents pleaded with the council to save seven trees from the chop as plans to build a new parish meeting room in St James's Church, St James's Lane, were waved through.
The scheme, which was granted last week, also involves cutting down trees and shrubs to build five new car parking spaces in what residents say is an already congested stretch of road.
Martin Jones, of St James's Lane, said: "Having lived opposite the vicarage for more than 40 years this would have a sad impact on my environment. I support this development but my conscience tells me it would be wrong to sacrifice this greenery for parking."
The seven trees, none of which are protected, will be replaced by three car parking spaces and two disabled bays to help meet the need for increased parking at the church.
Mr and Mrs Chorley said in a letter of objection: "We believe that there is already adequate parking within the vicinity of the church and the provision of further car parking spaces will undoubtedly exacerbate the notorious traffic problems in St James's Lane."
The parish meeting room is set to serve the church's growing congregation and after-mass activities, which include marriage preparation courses, prayer meetings and youth groups.
The extensions and storage space will be tucked away and hidden from the street between the church and the vicarage.
Pat Bloomfield, planning spokeswoman for the Muswell Hill and Fortis Green Association, said: "These trees make a considerable contribution to the street scene in the conservation area and from the top of the road they help to frame the view across London. Their removal would be a serious loss."
Planning officials for Haringey Council approved the plans, claiming they would have "no adverse affect" on privacy, neighbouring properties and the character of the conservation area, adding that parking would not lead to an increase in traffic.
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Muswell Hill
Journal News |
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