Barnet Council's Planning Committee (New) met and determined five planning applications, refusing two and granting three. Councillors heard arguments from residents and applicants about a range of issues including the loss of trees, the impact on neighbouring properties, and the design of new buildings.

Os 79 - 83 High Road London N2 8AD

The committee considered an application to build a seven-storey building containing 14 flats at 79-83 High Road, East Finchley. The scheme would also provide a new retail unit on the ground floor.

Councillors heard from objectors to the scheme, who argued that the scheme would:

• lead to the loss of trees that provided screening for the existing building;
• was out of keeping with the local area;
• represented an overdevelopment of the site; and,
• would lead to a loss of light for nearby residents.

The applicant's agent, DP9, argued that

The site is located within an area identified for growth and regeneration in the adopted Local Plan, which encourages the intensification of development in suitable locations.

They argued that the scheme would:

• provide much needed new homes;
• enhance the character of the area;
• lead to the planting of more trees than were lost; and,
• provide a financial contribution to the council through the Community Infrastructure Levy¹. The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a charge that local authorities can choose to impose on new developments in their area. It is used to fund infrastructure that is needed to support the development of the area, such as schools, roads, and open spaces.

Councillors voted to grant planning permission, arguing that the scheme would provide much needed new homes in a sustainable location.

18-20 Russell Gardens, Golders Green

Councillors considered an application to build a three-storey building containing two three-bedroom flats, with associated landscaping, cycle and bin storage at 18-20 Russell Gardens, Golders Green. The site was previously occupied by a single detached dwelling.

Councillors heard from a number of objectors who argued that:

• the design of the building was out of character with the area;
• the size of the building was too large for the site; and,
• the construction process would have a negative impact on neighbours.

Councillors also heard from the applicant, who argued that the development would provide

two high-quality, sustainable homes.

The applicant also argued that

the proposal includes a comprehensive landscaping scheme which would enhance the character and appearance of the area.

Councillors were divided on the application, with some arguing that the benefits of providing new housing outweighed the concerns of local residents. However, a majority of councillors voted to refuse planning permission, arguing that the scheme would have a negative impact on the character of the area.

Tudor Court, 2 Crewys Road, Childs Hill

Councillors considered an application for a non-material amendment to a previously-approved scheme to build three new dwellings with basements at 2 Crewys Road, Childs Hill. The original scheme had been approved at a meeting in January 2024.

Councillors heard from objectors to the scheme, who argued that the proposed amendments would have a negative impact on the character of the area, that the construction process would be disruptive, and that there was insufficient parking provision.

Councillors also heard from the applicant's agent, Engenein, who argued that:

• the proposed amendments were minor;
• would not have a negative impact on the character of the area; and,
• that the scheme would provide much needed new homes.

The committee voted to approve the non-material amendment.

5-7 Wykeham Road

Councillors considered an application to demolish the existing building and build a part three / part four storey building at 5-7 Wykeham Road, Hendon to provide 4 x 1 bedroom and 3 x 2 bedroom flats, with associated cycle and refuse storage and landscaping. The application proposed no car parking spaces.

Councillors heard from a number of objectors who argued that:

• the proposed development would overshadow their properties;
• the application represented an overdevelopment of the site; and,
• the demolition of the existing building would be detrimental to the character and appearance of the area.

The applicant's agent argued that the development was in accordance with the London Plan and would provide high quality new homes.

Councillors voted to refuse planning permission, arguing that the development would have a negative impact on the character of the area and the amenity of neighbouring properties.

2 Foxwood Close,

Councillors considered an application to build a two-storey, three bedroom dwelling at 2 Foxwood Close, Barnet.

Councillors heard from a number of local residents who objected to the scheme on the grounds that the three-bedroom property would be too small for their needs and would only be affordable by investors, not families.

Councillors also heard from the applicant's agent who explained that the developer had made a number of alterations to the scheme to overcome objections, including increasing the size of the windows, re-siting the refuse store, and increasing the size of bedrooms.

The committee voted to grant planning permission.