The Planning Committee of Barnet Council met on Wednesday 09 October 2024. The committee approved applications for electric vehicle charging points and an outbuilding. A decision on the demolition and rebuild of a church hall was deferred to the next meeting. The committee also reconsidered a previous decision on Marwood Court due to an error in reported dimensions.

Marwood Court, 25 Gruneisen Road, London N3 1LT

The committee reconsidered the application for the construction of a third floor level to provide two additional flats at Marwood Court. This item was brought back due to an error in the officer's report regarding the height increase of the building, which was corrected from 1.2 metres to 2.3 metres. Despite objections from residents concerning the overbearing nature of the proposed extension and its impact on sunlight and perspective, the committee approved the application. Arguments in favour highlighted that the pitched roof design would be in keeping with the street's character and that the distances to neighbouring properties were sufficient to mitigate concerns about overlooking and overbearing impact.

Church Hall St Mary The Virgin Church Of England Church, Camlet Way, Barnet EN4 0NJ

The committee considered the demolition and rebuild of the existing two-storey church hall. This application had been called in by Councillor Emma Whysall on heritage grounds. Heritage officers objected, citing substantial harm to a non-designated heritage asset (the locally listed church hall), significant harm to the setting of the Grade II* listed parish church, and harm to the character and appearance of the Monken Hadley Conservation Area. Concerns were also raised about the proposal representing inappropriate development within the Green Belt due to its increased size and bulk.

Supporters argued that restoration of the existing building would be prohibitively expensive, rendering the building lost to the community in any event. They also highlighted the public benefits of a new, accessible community facility. Despite the officers' recommendation for refusal, the committee voted to defer the decision to the next meeting. This deferral was based on the grounds that the benefits to the community outweighed the potential harm, the redevelopment would fit the local character, and promote sustainability.

27A Millway, London NW7 3QR

The committee approved the erection of a rear outbuilding at 27A Millway. The outbuilding is intended for use as a gym, home office, and storage. Objections were raised concerning potential ground contamination from the site's former use as a British Rail freight depot, the impact on a mature copper beech tree, and drainage issues. The applicant's agent addressed these concerns, and the council's tree officer raised no objections, subject to a condition regarding foundations. The Highways Authority also raised no concerns. The committee approved the application.

Electric Vehicle Charging Points and Advertising

The committee approved four applications related to the installation of Jolt electric vehicle charging points with integrated advertising screens. These were located at:

• O/s 18 Hampden Square, London N14 5JR (for both the installation of the charging unit and the advertising screen).
• O/s 11-12 Onslow Parade, Hampden Square, London N14 5JN (for both the installation of the charging unit and the advertising screen).
• O/s 4, 6 And 8 Church Hill Road, Barnet EN4 8TB (for both the installation of the charging unit and the advertising screen).

These applications were generally supported by officers, with no objections from Highways or the Police Designing Out Crime officer. Concerns raised by residents regarding parking, distraction, and visual amenity were addressed, with officers concluding that the proposals would not be detrimental to public safety or the character of the areas. The committee voted to approve all four applications.