The Planning Committee of Barnet Council met on Tuesday 23 June 2026, confirming a Tree Preservation Order and approving three planning applications. The committee confirmed a Tree Preservation Order at Stonywood Quarter, approved the subdivision of a property at 40 Midland Terrace, and granted outline planning permission for the redevelopment of Silk House. They also approved retrospective planning permission for extensions at 5 Woodlands and granted permission for a new dwelling at 18 Macdonald Road.

Stonywood Quarter

The committee confirmed a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) at Stonywood Quarter, located at The Fairway, London NW7 3HJ. This decision was made despite objections from the landowner and Mill Hill Golf Course, who cited concerns about the trees not being at risk and the administrative burden of the order. Planning officers argued that the woodland is designated as priority habitat and that the council has a duty of care to protect it under the Environmental and Rural Communities Act 2006 and relevant local and regional policies. The committee voted unanimously to confirm the TPO.

40 Midland Terrace

The committee approved the proposed subdivision of the existing property at 40 Midland Terrace, London NW2 6QH, to form two two-bedroom dwellings. This decision overturned the officer's recommendation for refusal, which was based on Policy HO3 of the local plan, precluding the subdivision of larger homes without reprovision of a three-bedroom home. The applicant, Mrs Hoskins, argued that the proposal would restore the property to its original configuration as two cottages, which are highly sought after by families, and that it would not harm the character of the conservation area. Councillor Anne Clarke, the ward councillor, supported the application, stating it restored the original pattern of single-family homes in the terrace. The committee voted unanimously to approve the application, citing the heritage value of reinstating the building's original design.

5 Woodlands

The committee approved the part retrospective application for extensions and alterations at 5 Woodlands, London NW11 9QJ. The proposal included a basement, front, side, rear and roof extensions, with a lowered rear decking area, a porch, and a front dormer. This application sought to overcome previous reasons for refusal related to design, scale, and appearance. Amendments included limiting the visual manifestation of the basement to skylights, reducing the depth of the raised patio, and altering the design of the front porch and rear dormer. An objector argued that the development remained overly large and out of keeping with the character of the area, and that retrospective applications should be judged by the same policies as fresh applications. The applicant, Zevi Sternlicht, apologised for past mistakes and highlighted that the revised scheme strictly followed officer advice. The committee voted seven to one in favour of approval.

Silk House

Outline planning permission was granted for the demolition of existing buildings at Silk House, Annesley Avenue, London NW9 5EE, and the erection of up to 388 replacement residential units in buildings ranging from six to 28 storeys. The scheme also includes a new public realm, a footbridge into Montrose Park, landscaping, and parking. The application was called in by the Mayor of London due to its strategic importance. Councillor Rishikesh Chakraborty raised concerns about the distribution of units and the high proportion of one-bedroom flats, arguing it was out of kilter with the local plan's housing mix priorities. Officers explained that the mix was influenced by financial viability and the need to provide larger affordable rented properties. The committee voted four to three in favour of approval, with the Chair using their casting vote.

18 Macdonald Road

Permission was granted for the demolition of the existing dwelling and outbuildings at 18 Macdonald Road, London N11 3JB, and the erection of a two-storey dwelling with rooms in the roofspace to provide three self-contained flats. The proposal includes associated amenity space, refuse, and cycle storage. The application was recommended for approval, with revisions made to address previous reasons for refusal, including reducing the scale and massing of extensions and altering the roof form. The agent, Darpan Thanak, highlighted that the ground floor flat would be a three-bedroom family dwelling. The committee voted unanimously to approve the application.