The Strategic Planning Committee of Barnet Council met on Wednesday 13 March 2024, approving two significant planning applications: one for the former British Gas Works site on Albert Road in New Barnet, and another for Whalebones on Wood Street in High Barnet. Both applications were deemed of strategic importance to London and will be referred to the Mayor of London for final consideration.

Land Formerly Known As British Gas Works, Albert Road, Barnet

The committee approved the planning application for the Land Formerly Known As British Gas Works on Albert Road in New Barnet, application number 23/3964/FUL. This decision followed a previous meeting on 20 February 2024, where the item had to be adjourned due to time constraints. Only members who attended the previous meeting were eligible to vote on this item.

The approval was granted subject to a Section 106 Agreement and specific conditions. These conditions include requirements for further details on improving daylight access to residential units, particularly those with enclosed kitchens or that fall short of BRE 2022 guidelines. A second condition mandates the submission of an energy strategy and management plan to investigate further efficiencies and cost savings for residents. Informatives were also added to encourage the applicant to explore improvements to daylight access and to detail the importance of energy infrastructure policies within the London Plan¹.

A motion to refuse the application based on its size, mass, bulk, and density was put forward by Councillor Eva Greenspan and seconded by Councillor Richard Cornelius, but it was not carried. The final vote to approve the application passed with 5 votes for, 3 against, and 1 abstention. The committee also granted delegated authority to the Director – Planning and Building Control to make minor alterations to the conditions and obligations, in consultation with the Chair or Vice-Chair.

Whalebones, Wood Street, High Barnet

The committee also approved the planning application for Whalebones, located at Wood Street in High Barnet, application number 23/4117/FUL. The decision was made after hearing from various speakers, including Robin Bishop and Nick Saul from the Barnet Society, who objected to the application; Gordon Massey from the Barnet Residents Association, who spoke in support; Theresa Villiers, Member of Parliament for the Chipping Barnet constituency, who objected; and Colin Campbell, the applicant.

The approval is subject to a Section 106 Agreement. An informative was added to the decision notice, stating the committee's desire for perpetual public access to the greenspace and community involvement in its future management. The application was approved with 5 votes for, 3 against, and no abstentions. Similar to the previous item, delegated authority was granted to the Service Director – Planning and Building Control for minor alterations to conditions and obligations, following consultation with the Chair or Vice-Chair.

Both applications, being of strategic importance to London, will be referred to the Mayor of London. The committee's resolutions are subject to no direction, call-in, or refusal from the Mayor of London.