Attempts to take North Finchley upmarket suffered a setback this week with the go-ahead for a 92-bedroom student hostel.

Council objections to the scheme directly opposite a site it earmarked for luxury flats and arts centre development at Tally Ho were overturned on appeal.

A planning inspector overruled council protests that that hostel, in Ballards Lane, would be out of character and incompatible with the town centre. She also dismissed fears it would attract anti-social behaviour to the regeneration area.

Developer Patent Ltd says it is aimed at full-time students and single working people.

Some 92 residents will share 21 kitchens and 19 basement parking places as an existing four-storey office is refurbished and extended.

An extra storey will be added to the currently derelict building, next door to an old people's home.

With plans for pedestrianisation and an open air piazza under discussion, council bosses see N12 as the new Hampstead. However, the Tally Ho project is behind schedule. It had been due to open in early 2002 but trustees, meeting on Tuesday night, admit that is unlikely.

Hundreds of thousands of pounds have been spent on preliminary work already without a single brick being laid.

Councillor Brian Salinger, who opposed the Tally Ho arts centre project, said the hostel was also wrong for the town centre.

"I'm all for buildings being brought back into use but I don't think this will regenerate North Finchley," he said.

October 24, 2001 11:32

MATTHEW NIXSON