Matthew and other dog walkers from Sunny Hill Park are urging Barnet Council to allow retrospective planning permission for a gazebo that has been constructed next to the cafe in the Park. Delivering a petition of almost 700 signatures to the Council, Matthew took along his new Jack Russell called Max to meet other walkers and their dogs on the steps of the Town Hall.
The gazebo was built by Sunny Hill cafe owner Eytan Grunberg during the renovation of the main building. While planning permission does exist for the cafe, Barnet Council has asserted that the gazebo was constructed beyond the footprint of the building and should be removed.
Matthew said “It is correct that the gazebo was constructed without planning permission but in these difficult economic times I ask the Council to look upon the retrospective application with sympathy. It is a fantastic construction that is not only an attractive asset to the Park but one that has a huge utility value as it shelters walkers and their dogs from the weather. Eytan has provided an example of the Big Society and local people want to keep the gazebo.”