PROPOSALS to redevelop a dilapidated pavilion into a children’s nursery have been given the go ahead, despite concerns about security in the park.

An application for change of use of the sports pavilion in Croft Playing Fields, Cannonbury Avenue, Pinner, to a children’s nursery, with external alterations, was approved by councillors at a planning committee meeting on Wednesday, September 5.

The council-owned building has remained empty and fenced off since an arson attack in October 2002.

Some councillors expressed concern about the plans, including Conservative ward councillor for Rayners Lane, Joyce Nickolay, who said: “I am worried about the security of the park. There has been a fire in the park once before. I would like to make sure that the park is locked up at night.”

Case officer, Ciaran Regan, explained it was an issue councillors did not have control over in considering the planning application, which had been made by a Mr A Panjwani.

In the council officer’s report ahead of the meeting it said: “In March 2007, cabinet approved a report proposing the disposal by way of lease of six pavilions in the borough. These buildings were under used and in a poor state of repair. The council wanted to increase their use. The council refurbished the exterior of the building but the interior still needs complete renovation.”

Councillors voted unanimously to grant the application.