PLANS to put up parking permits and allotment rents in Barnet were given the green light last night as the cabinet approved an increase in a raft of fees.

Despite impassioned pleas from residents and opposition councillors the executive members agreed to pass the changes to the environment charges, some as early as April.

The move will mean people living in controlled parking zones pay £100 per year for a permit, with the extra £60 rise helping to fund pothole repairs.

During public questions a number of residents raised questions about the changes, with one East Finchley resident, Dr Deborah Linton pointed out she would be facing costs of £1,200 per year for her childminder to park outside her home.

Other residents claimed the levy would see half of the £3m stated shortfall in the parking revenue account fall on less than ten per cent of households, most of which will be used for road repairs.

Councillor Brian Coleman justified the plans despite heated opposition, saying there had been “extensive consultation” and branding free bays an “anomaly”.

He added: “There is a need for more residents parking bays and more pay-and-display bays to make our town centres more viable, which is part of the thinking around some of the processes here.”

Later he added he was “delighted” with the 150 residents turning out to have their say at the meeting, saying it was the “Big Society” in action.

Labour Councillor Claire Farrier asked members why allotment rents were to be nearly trebled in April 2012 if councillors plan to make them run themselves.

She was asked in return by Councillor Lynne Hillan why all residents should subsidise “somebody's leisure activities”, to which Cllr Farrier replied she had not seen figures proving any taxpayer subsidy for allotments.

Cllr Coleman also welcomed the response from many allotment associations on the changes and said the higher fees would be an incentive for them all to take charge of their own affairs.