The Planning Committee of Barnet Council met on Wednesday 9 October 2024. The committee approved several applications for electric vehicle charging points and advertising screens. The committee also approved a third-floor extension to a block of flats at Marwood Court. The committee deferred a decision on the demolition and rebuild of a church hall to the next Planning Committee for determination.

Marwood Court, 25 Gruneisen Road

The committee approved the planning application for the construction of a third floor to provide two one-bedroom flats at Marwood Court. This decision was made after the application was brought back to the committee due to an error in the original officer's report regarding the building's height increase. Objectors raised concerns about the development being overbearing and impacting sunlight and perspective. However, the committee, after considering the distances to neighbouring properties and the proposed obscure glazing for west-facing windows, approved the application.

27A Millway

Permission was granted for the erection of a rear outbuilding at 27A Millway. An objector raised concerns about potential ground contamination from the site's former use as a British Rail freight depot and the risk posed by the proposed screw pile foundations. The committee noted these concerns and attached a condition requiring details of the foundations to be submitted and approved, specifically mentioning the use of steel screw piles to mitigate harm to nearby trees.

Church Hall St Mary The Virgin Church of England Church, Camlet Way

The committee deferred a decision on the demolition and rebuild of the Church Hall to the next Planning Committee for determination. The application had been called in by Councillor Emma Whysall on heritage grounds, with heritage officers recommending refusal due to substantial harm to a non-designated heritage asset, harm to the setting of a Grade II* listed building, and detriment to the Monken Hadley Conservation Area. Concerns were also raised about the proposal representing inappropriate development in the Green Belt. Supporters argued that the existing building was beyond economic repair and that the new building would provide significant public benefits and be a valuable community asset. The committee voted to defer the decision, citing the benefits to the local community outweighing the harms listed in the officer's report, and that the redevelopment would fit the character of the local area and promote sustainability.

Electric Vehicle Charging Points and Advertising Screens

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

• 18 Hampden Square: Two applications were approved for the installation of an EV charging unit and an associated advertising screen.
• 11-12 Onslow Parade: Two applications were approved for the installation of an EV charging unit and an associated advertising screen.
• 4, 6 And 8 Church Hill Road: Two applications were approved for the installation of an EV charging unit and an associated advertising screen.

Concerns were raised by objectors regarding potential distractions to drivers, obstruction of pavements, loss of parking, and the visual impact of the units. However, officers noted that the proposed locations were considered acceptable in terms of highway safety, public safety, and visual amenity, with sufficient clear footway width maintained. The dual functionality of the units was also highlighted as reducing street clutter. The applications were approved with conditions.