June 29 2000: The controversial Tally Ho arts centre complex ,, which will now include a Marks & Spencer store ,, could be called in for a public inquiry at a meeting of the Greater London Assembly (GLA) today.

Councillor Brian Coleman, the Conservative GLA member for Barnet and Camden, has tabled a joint motion with The Green Party calling for Ken Livingstone to request an inquiry into the £35million development.

Mr Coleman said: 'The plans as they currently stand will make residents' lives miserable. The monstrosity which is the tower block will dwarf nearby buildings and will become a real blot on the Finchley skyline.

'The increased pollution that the development will attract will suffocate the area and the added noise factor will make life unbearable.'

The leader of Barnet Council, Councillor Alan Williams, said: 'This is a cynical and dishonest move by Mr Coleman to mislead the people of the borough.

'He knows that the GLA only has powers in relation to planning applications submitted after July 3 and he knows that the Tally Ho application was submitted before that, in March 3.

'He will have to explain why he opposes the regeneration of North Finchley which will provide the borough with a multi-million pound arts centre ,, which costs the council less than £3million.'

Mr Williams added that a Marks & Spencer store would open by Christmas next year. The 1,800 square metre food store will be similar to those in Whetstone and Temple Fortune.

Golders Green area planning committee will be considering the arts centre development proposals on July 4.

July 31, 2001 16:29