LONDON, UK, September 9, 2005: A nine-year struggle to demolish and rebuild a US$9 million Swaminarayan Temple at Golders Green here has finally ended with planners agreeing that work could begin. Plans for the flamboyant new Shree Swaminarayan temple in Finchley Road were passed despite a long running dispute between the congregation and neighbors. Residents objected to the design of the temple, which they claimed was out of character with the area and that a new temple will cause parking difficulties on neighboring streets. Dr. Richard Casson, of nearby Helenslea Avenue, said ”I don’t want the Taj Mahal on my doorstep. It would be wonderful in Sri Lanka but not in Golders Green. The design is an eyesore, it doesn’t fit with the local surroundings. I have personally supported the temple, I gave money and clothes to them when there was an earthquake in India.” ”I am very happy for them to be there but they are not considering their neighbors. The councillors [at the planning meeting] were discussing how it is going to happen not if it is going to happen, it is undemocratic and it is an absolute outrage.”
Objectors claim the temple will create extra congestion in the area. They say there have been several accidents in the area recently and fear the temple will become a tourist attraction. Dr. Casson added, ”The girls in beautiful saris won’t want to travel on public transport, they will come by car. The whole thing was done very badly. This is not a way to enhance racial harmony and it will damage race relations in the area.” Trustees of the temple have applied for planning permission four times since 1996. They were granted approval to extend the current Presbyterian Church building and adjust it to a more authentic Hindu design in 1996. But in January this year their plans to demolish and rebuild the temple were refused because there wasn’t enough parking provision. Under the new plans an extended floor area and a basement car park for 33 cars will be provided. Mr. Lakmida Dabasia, a trustee of the temple, said ”I think the councillors have considered the application on its merits and they feel that the building we have proposed will be architecturally pleasing. It means a lot to the community to have a temple. It gives a sense of identity and a sense of pride as well.” ”We have been here more than 25 years and people were always saying we should have our own place of worship. The UK is a multicultural society and there is diversity throughout the country and I feel Barnet Council have not been swayed by the unreasonable thinking of local residents.