Friday 20 May 2011

Mill Hill Special : Belmont Childrens Zoo take to the streets !

There were some great pictures in the Hendon Times this week of sheep on the village green outside Hendon Town Hall. Not something you see every day. They turned up with the staff and about six supporters of Belmont Childrens Zoo in Mill Hill. The zoo is a fantastic place for a visit, having attracted over 70,000 visitors in the first year of operation. It has all sorts of interesting and exotic animals and even has theme park style rides.

The dispute centres on the fact that the Zoo's owners failed to get planning permission or change of use for the former riding stables. Local neighbours have also actively campaigned against the noise from the various exotic animals on their doorstep and the traffic. The owners have also claimed that the cafe, serving tasty waffles, is not a change of use from the staff canteen.

Sadly, whilst thinking that the Zoo is a great addition to the facilities in Mill Hill, the truth is everyone has to follow the rules. It is odd to note that the owner of the Zoo is Mr Andrew Reid, who was a deputy chairmen of the local Conservative party and a big friend of planning boss Councillor Maureen Braun. You'd think she'd be able to advise him on the rules, especially those concerning the building of large sheds without planning permission. The zoo complained that no one had complained about the planning permission application. This was rather clever, as one had not been submitted.

Can I suggest that the owners open up their wallet, get the planning permission, make the changes so the neighbours are happy (moving a few animals to elsewhere in the complex won't cost a fortune) and follow the rules. Then they will have a legal business and they can develop it

3 comments:

Mrs Angry said...

I am thinking of opening a zoo in my back garden, or building a three storey shed. If I make sure not to ask for planning permission, is that ok? I don't know any members of the local Tory party, although I once lent a biro to former Councillor Daniel Hope.

baarnett said...

Well, Mrs A, it depends.

If you are in one of the leafier parts of the borough, then "no".

If you are in the other parts, where the Council wants to extract as much council tax and business rates as possible, and provide nothing much in return, then fine. In fact, why not a multi-level zoo, or a five-storey shed?

Moaneybat said...

" deputy chairmen of the local Conservative party and a big friend of planning boss Councillor Maureen Braun. You'd think she'd be able to advise him on the rules,"

Well, spivs and lawyers usually go together