The Barnet Council Planning Committee met on 17 November 2025, to discuss a range of planning applications. The committee approved a care home development at 84 West Heath Road, a two-storey rear extension and additional storey at 25 Granville Road, and a part single, part two-storey side and rear extension at 29 The Hook. Councillors refused permission for the use of a swimming pool for commercial purposes at 30 Allandale Avenue, and a part three, part four, part five storey building with nine flats at 217-219 Golders Green Road. A decision on an application for a change of use at 114 Finchley Lane was deferred.

Here's a more detailed look at the key discussions:

• Tree Preservation Order at 15 Brunner Close

  The committee considered an application to fell an oak tree at 15 Brunner Close, which is protected by a Tree Preservation Order[^2]. The applicant argued that the tree was causing subsidence at a neighbouring property and offered to treat the stump and provide replacement planting.

  Tim Isaacs, the owner of the tree, spoke against the application, highlighting the tree's historical significance and amenity value, and questioned the insurer's motives in pursuing the removal. Peter Falk, speaking on behalf of the Hampstead Garden Suburb Residents Association, also opposed the application, suggesting alternative engineering solutions and raising concerns about potential heave[^3] if the tree was felled.

  Councillor Lachhya Bahadur Gurung raised concerns about the tree falling down, while Councillor Humayune Khalick noted its proximity to the property. The committee ultimately voted to refuse the application.

  [^2]: Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) are legal instruments used to protect trees that are considered to be of significant amenity value. [^3]: Ground heave is the uplift of soil due to an increase in moisture content, often occurring after the removal of trees that previously extracted water from the ground.

• Care Home at 84 West Heath Road

  The committee reviewed an application for the demolition of an existing building and the erection of a three-storey care home at 84 West Heath Road. The planning officer, Stephen Volley, noted that the proposal had been revised to address previous concerns regarding scale, massing, and impact on trees.

  Hayley Katz, speaking on behalf of local residents, objected to the application, raising concerns about the lack of affordable housing and the potential for the care home to be used as a residential development. Deepak Hingorani spoke in support of the application, sharing a personal story about the impact of dementia and the need for quality care facilities. Councillor Matthew Pearlberg, the ward councillor, submitted a statement expressing support for the scheme as a care home, but raised concerns about the legal safeguards to prevent a future switch to residential use. Bella Buffini, the agent, addressed the committee, emphasising the community benefits of the proposal and the measures taken to ensure it would operate as a care home.

  The committee approved the application, subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement[^4] to secure affordable housing contributions if the use changes.

  [^4]: A Section 106 agreement is a legally binding agreement between a local authority and a developer, used to mitigate the impact of a development on the community and infrastructure.

• Commercial Use of Swimming Pool at 30 Allandale Avenue

  The committee considered a retrospective application for the commercial use of an existing swimming pool building at 30 Allandale Avenue for children's swimming lessons.

  Gianna Frank spoke in support of the application, highlighting the benefits of the facility for her autistic son. Julian Sutton, representing neighbouring residents, objected to the application, citing concerns about noise, traffic, and disturbance. Lucy Reuter, the applicant, defended the operation, emphasising its social value and limited impact.

  The committee voted to refuse the application, citing concerns about the commercial nature of the operation in a residential area and the potential for noise disturbance.

• Extension and Additional Unit at 25 Granville Road

  The committee reviewed an application for a two-storey rear extension and an additional storey at 25 Granville Road. The planning officer noted that previous objections on ecology grounds had been addressed. With no speakers present, the committee approved the application, subject to conditions.

• Side and Rear Extension at 29 The Hook

  The committee considered an application for a part single, part two-storey side and rear extension at 29 The Hook. A neighbour, Mr Pilditch, objected to the application, raising concerns about overdevelopment, loss of daylight, and highway safety. Hassan Jaffa, the agent, spoke in support of the application, emphasising the family's need for additional space.

  Councillors discussed the number of bathrooms proposed and the potential for multiple families to reside at the property. With the committee split on the vote, Councillor Claire Farrier, Chair of the Planning Committee, used her casting vote to approve the application, subject to conditions.

• Rear Extension and Alterations at 63 Corringham Road

  The committee reviewed an application for a single-storey rear extension and alterations at 63 Corringham Road. Neighbours Keith Coleman and Michelle Garrett objected to the application, raising concerns about the scale of the extension, loss of light, and impact on the conservation area. Jonathan Nicholls, the agent, spoke in support of the application, arguing that the design met planning guidance and would improve the property.

  The committee approved the application, with four votes in favour and two against.

• Change of Use and Extensions at 114 Finchley Lane

  The committee considered an application for a change of use from a doctor's surgery to a synagogue and associated extensions at 114 Finchley Lane. Lord Jonathan Kestenbaum and Rabbi Saul Kelly spoke in support of the application, emphasising the community benefits and security considerations. Councillor Shimon Wright, the ward councillor, also spoke in support. Emily Benedict, the agent, addressed the committee, highlighting the efforts made to address officer concerns.

  Councillor Elliot Simberg expressed support for the design. With the committee not minded to refuse the application, a decision was deferred to the next meeting to allow for further consideration.

• Erection of Building with Flats at 217-219 Golders Green Road

  The committee reviewed an application for the erection of a part three, part four, part five-storey building with nine flats at 217-219 Golders Green Road. Matthew Ball, the architect, spoke in support of the application, highlighting the design's intent to mediate between different scales of surrounding buildings.

  The committee voted to refuse the application.