Court battle over Jewish school at garden centre

Campaigners are to go to court in an attempt to stop a Jewish free school opening.

Activists will take legal action after the Etz Chaim free school was given permission last month to open in a former garden centre that acted as a community hub.

The case has split the Barnet Jewish community, with some supporting the new school and others objecting to the loss of a much-loved facility that is used as a base for many groups for disabled and elderly people.

Daniel Coleman, one of the disabled people who regularly used the garden centre, is seeking a judicial review of Barnet council's decision to grant planning permission. It will be the first challenge brought under the Equalities Act 2010.

He will argue that the council failed properly to consider the needs of the disabled and elderly. Objectors say they have identified 11 other sites in the borough that would be more suitable for the school. Mr Coleman, who is Jewish, said: "Choosing one of the other sites will guarantee that the school may be established without ruining the lives of over 1,000 local elderly and disabled people."

Adam Dawson, chairman of trustees of Etz Chaim, which opened in temporary accommodation last month, said: "The school trust will do all it can to ensure that this unfortunate episode resolves positively for both the school and community."