The Planning Committee of Barnet Council met on Thursday 26 September 2024. Key decisions included the refusal of an application to fell four London plane trees at The Thomas Watson Cottage Homes, and the approval of floodlighting at East Barnet School. The committee also approved several residential development applications, including conversions and new builds, with conditions attached.

The Thomas Watson Cottage Homes, Leecroft Road, Barnet

The committee refused an application to fell four London plane trees and reduce two oak trees at The Thomas Watson Cottage Homes. The applicant sought permission to remove the trees due to alleged subsidence damage to properties 11 and 12 Leecroft Road. While officers noted that London plane tree roots had been identified beneath the properties, they concluded that the evidence provided did not sufficiently justify the felling of the trees. The decision was made by a casting vote from the Chair after the committee was split three votes for approval and three for refusal.

East Barnet School, 5 Chestnut Grove, Barnet

An application for the installation of floodlighting to the existing sports pitch at East Barnet School was approved, despite significant objections from local residents concerning noise, light pollution, and increased traffic. Residents expressed concerns about the potential for disturbance to their peaceful enjoyment of their homes. However, the school and supporters highlighted the benefits for student well-being and community use, with amended plans incorporating measures to mitigate light spill and restrictive operating hours. The Ecology Officer raised no objections.

21 Hampstead Gardens, London

The conversion of a dwelling into three self-contained flats at 21 Hampstead Gardens was approved, subject to a Section 106 agreement to restrict residents from obtaining parking permits. Objections were raised by residents regarding the impact on local parking, the character of the street, and potential disruption during construction. The agent for the applicant argued that the proposal would remove two potential parking permit holders from the road and complied with emerging local plan policies regarding housing delivery.

Marwood Court, 25 Gruneisen Road, London

Outline planning permission was granted for the construction of a third floor to provide two one-bedroom flats at Marwood Court. The application also included provision for off-street parking, refuse and recycling storage, and new front access gates. Objectors raised concerns about loss of privacy, light, and overdevelopment. The agent highlighted that the proposed pitched roof would improve the building's design and that dormer windows facing neighbouring properties would be obscurely glazed.

4 Woodside Avenue, London

Permission was granted for the demolition of the existing dwelling at 4 Woodside Avenue and the erection of a new building with a basement level to create six self-contained flats. Numerous objections were received from residents citing concerns about overdevelopment, the impact on the street's character, inadequate parking, and potential structural damage from basement excavation. The agent pointed to existing precedents for flatted developments in the area and argued the design respected site constraints.

O/S 77 - 81 Russell Lane, London (Items 11 & 12)

Two applications relating to the installation of an electric vehicle charging point with an integrated LCD advertising screen at O/s 77 - 81 Russell Lane were approved. Objections were raised regarding potential parking issues, pedestrian safety, light pollution, and street clutter. The applicant, Jolt Charge, highlighted the environmental benefits of electric vehicles and the economic advantages of advertising on the screens, which subsidises the free charging. Highways officers raised no objections.

Torrington Court, 40 Torrington Park, London

Permission was granted for alterations and extensions to three existing blocks at Torrington Court to create five additional self-contained flats. The proposal included the creation of new crown roofs, dormer windows, and the removal of external staircases, replaced by Juliette balconies. Objections were received concerning loss of light, privacy, noise during construction, increased traffic, and the removal of fire escapes. The agent addressed concerns about fire safety by explaining the provision of protected lobbies and compliant internal staircases, and the officer confirmed that building regulations would ensure safety.