Etz Chaim School proposal before planning and environment committee 20th July

The proposal for the Etz Chaim Jewish Free School is up before the Barnet Council Planning and Environment Committee on Weds 20th July. The papers are here :-

http://committeepapers.barnet.gov.uk/democracy/meetings/meetingdetail.asp?meetingid=6772

The Barnet Eye has a broadly neutral stance on the proposal.

Pro's
There is a shortage of school places in Barnet, which clearly needs
There is a demand withing the Jewish Community for a faith school
There is a solid base of Jewish families within walking distance of the school, which will reduce travel distance & car trips to other alternatives

Con's
Likely to cause traffic gridlock on A41 & Daws Lane when children are dropped off
Loss of amenity for local gardening & Aquatic community and other users of the Garden Centre
Likely to have unsightly security measures and be ugly

Strangely enough, all of the arguments have not changed my perception of any of these issues. If the school was in a more suitable location, I would have backed the proposal. I have been extremely put off the school by many comments of its supporters in the press.

Reading some of the comments on local paper stories (see these here), it is clear that some big porkies are being told by the school supporters.

http://www.times-series.co.uk/news/9126893.Protesters__last_ditch_attempt_to_save_garden_centre/

Here is one example from MHResident

You need to check the facts. There are a dozen people in this photo, which makes the claim of “thousands” clearly ridiculous. One only needs to check the public planning consultation to see that the “in favour” votes overtake the “against”. These protesters are NOT the majority and should stop claiming to be so.

On page 50 of the council report accessable by the link above, it clearly states that there have been 2,500 letters of objection and 1,400 letters of support. It is clear that MHResident is the one who "needs to check the facts". A petition with 3,000 signatures was also received. One high profile supporter of the scheme is Brian Coleman who lists his reasons :-

1. The requested change of use from A1 (Garden Centre) to D1 (Education) will not have a negative effect on the local area

2. Will improve a much needed increase in educational provision

3. The quantum of car parking spaces is sufficient

4. The forming of an open courtyard, play area and soft landscaping to be of a good quality design

 5. There is a high demand for a Jewish free school in Mill Hill and would urge the Committee to grant the application

I suspect Cllr Coleman hasn't taken the trouble to speak to the action group to get a balanced view.

The case for the school indicates that whilst there is a requirement for places, it is not clear that parents see a faith school as the solution. On page 60 it says

Pupil projections do not indicate whether pupils would only attend or would prefer to attend a religious school.

There are a few interesting points also mentioned in support of the school on page 53 :-

School would be good for the area and community
1 There is a desperate need for primary school places
2 Great opportunity for local children who will walk to the school
3 Would provide a platform for the community
4 There is an increased number of young families in the area
5 School is essential for the Jewish community
6 School would be on a direct bus route
7 Most pupils will walk to the school as it will be local to them
8 Considerable shortage of decent school places
9 Many local parents now drive long distances for the school run. This would
enable them to walk to a local school.
10 It would be an enormous benefit to the local community and the building
would be open to other users.

Most of these points I tend to agree with, however, I take issue with the following ones as positive benefits :-

5 - The School is clearly not essential for the Jewish Community. The Jewish Community has thrived without a Jewish School. I agree that some Jewish parents would like it, but it is clearly anything but "essential". I've also spoken to many jewish parents who feel that a non faith based increase in places would be preferable.
6 - Given the admissions policy, it is highly likely that most children not walking will be driven to school. This means that if anything Bus traffic will be adversely affected
8  - The vast majority of schools in Barnet are decent. I am not convinced that this proposal is the best way to address the shortage of places in the current economic climate. I suspect it is an expensive way to increase general provision, although I've seen conflicting evidence from both sides.
10 - This is highly debatable. I think on balance there is a loss of amenity, which has not been properly addressed.

To sum up 

I'd urge anyone who is interested to read the papers with an open mind. I doubt any school proposal in Mill Hill could progress without some sort of adverse public reaction. I also have heard anti semitic comments in relation to the proposal and agree with supporters of the school that this is a problem. I don't think that the school has made a cast iron case, and some of the supporters have damaged the case by spouting bare faced lies, which have inflamed protestors. I suspect that the school has made a big mistake in it's approach to its opponents. I've told the chairman of the School this on several occasions.

I am of the opinion that when a proposal for a faith school (of any denomination) is being made, members of that group should not be on the decision making body. I would trust the other committee members to make a fair decision. I just happen to feel that it would be almost impossible for a member of the faith to vote against a proposal they thought was flawed, without being ostracised from their community. I would take the same view for an RC, Islamic or CofE school. It would also ensure that the decision was seen as unbiased. I am rather surprised that the sound reasons why a Jewish School is desirable for Jewish families has not been mentioned. These are

It is easier to maintain a totally Kosher environment
It is less disruptive to the school year if Jewish Holidays can be planned
A school may wish to specialise in subjects such as Hebrew & Jewish history, which may be uneconomical for schools with a small Jewish community intake

The most upsetting thing for me about this whole thing is that the pro and anti campaigns have not moved the debate forward one inch. They have addressed no issues and sought no common grounds. Every local paper story has comments which descend into a slanging match. My biggest concern of the lot is that the School doesn't look to me as if it wants to be a good neighbour. That is something they really should address ASAP. I really think they could have done the whole project in a far less confrontational manner. Having said that we need more school places in Barnet and this is a part of that picture, whether we like it or not
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I am formally inviting both the pro and anti school campaigns to submit guest blogs to the Barnet Eye. Please email using link in my profile. I will print anything that is a) Honest b) Legal and c) informative