The Planning Committee of Barnet Council met on Wednesday 30 October 2024, approving the demolition and rebuild of the Church Hall at St Mary the Virgin, and the change of use of a property at 7 Northfield Road to a children's home. The committee also granted consent for the removal of a false acacia tree at Fairfield Oakleigh Park North and a false acacia tree at 79 Oakleigh Park North, while refusing the removal of an oak tree at Fairfield Oakleigh Park North.

Church Hall, St Mary the Virgin Church of England, Barnet

The committee approved the demolition and rebuild of the existing two-storey Church Hall at St Mary the Virgin Church of England in Camden Way. This decision was made despite officer recommendations for refusal, with the committee finding that the community benefits of a new hall outweighed the harm to heritage assets and the Green Belt. The approved plans include conditions to ensure the new building fits the character of the local area and addresses heritage concerns.

7 Northfield Road, Barnet

Permission was granted for a change of use from a C3 dwelling house to a Class C2 children's home for up to three children at 7 Northfield Road. The decision was made subject to conditions, with officers recommending approval based on the demonstrated need for such facilities within Barnet and the proposed management strategies to mitigate any potential impact on the residential amenity of the area.

78 Kings Drive, Edgware

The committee refused an application for a part single-storey, part two-storey side and rear extension, along with the retention of an existing unlawful outbuilding at 78 Kings Drive. The refusal was based on the grounds that the extensions and outbuilding were considered disproportionate, incongruous with the street scene, and detrimental to the character and appearance of the property and surrounding area. The outbuilding was also deemed to be visually obtrusive and harmful to the amenities of neighbouring occupiers.

Fenton House, Hadley Green West, Barnet

An application for alterations and reconstruction of the main roof at Fenton House, including the addition of dormer windows and rooflights, and the rendering of the façade, was refused. The committee determined that the proposed white rendering would be obtrusive and out of keeping with the character and appearance of the property and the wider Monken Hadley Conservation Area, failing to preserve or enhance its character.

Fairfield Oakleigh Park North, London (TPP/0720/23) and 79 Oakleigh Park North, London (TPP/0721/23)

The committee considered two applications concerning the removal of trees at Fairfield Oakleigh Park North and 79 Oakleigh Park North. For Fairfield Oakleigh Park North, the committee approved the removal of a false acacia tree (T2) but refused the removal of a mature oak tree (T1), citing its significant amenity value and insufficient justification for its removal. For 79 Oakleigh Park North, consent was granted for the removal of a false acacia tree (T2). Both decisions were made subject to conditions, including replacement planting and measures to address potential ground heave. The committee's decision to split the decision on the Fairfield Oakleigh Park North application was made after seeking legal advice on procedure.