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BARNET, ENGLAND, November 18, 2004: An eye-catching Hindu temple could soon be built in Golders Green after new plans were submitted to Barnet Council. The existing Shree Swaminaryan Temple’s red-brick building in Finchley Road would be demolished and replaced with a larger Ivory-colored stone structure, with traditional Hindu features. The 25-year-old temple won planning permission for such a building back in December, 2002, but has now lodged a new, slightly modified application. Residents living nearby are preparing a petition against the plan on the grounds of its appearance and a shortage of parking. “The people that attend seem very nice but it’s a major project totally out of keeping with the area,” said resident Zena Clayton. “Car parking will be problematic as there is not a big Hindu population in the immediate vicinity. They arrive by car instead, sometimes as early as 6 am. Applicant Laxmidas Dabasia, who attends the temple, said: “All we are trying to do is make a proper temple with an authentic feeling and aura which fulfils the needs of the local community.” A main reason behind the planned upgrade was the need to provide disabled access for users, he said. The council may not consider the application until early next year.

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