The Barnet Council Planning Committee met on Wednesday 30 October 2024. The committee approved the demolition and rebuild of a church hall, a change of use to a children's care home, and the removal of two trees. Applications for house extensions and a property facade change were refused.

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

The committee approved the demolition and rebuild of the Church Hall at St. Mary the Virgin Church of England in Camlet Way. This decision was made with a vote of 4-1 in favour of approval, overturning the officer's recommendation for refusal. The decision was based on the grounds that the benefits of a new church hall to the local community outweighed the harm identified in the officers' report, and that the redevelopment would fit the character of the local area. The application had been deferred from a previous meeting to allow for re-notification and further consideration. Conditions were attached to the approval.

7 Northfield Road, Barnet

The committee approved the change of use of a dwellinghouse at 7 Northfield Road to a Class C2 children's care home for up to three children. Officers recommended approval, citing that the needs for such a facility had been justified and that any harm to the character of the area and neighbouring amenities was acceptable. The vote was 5 in favour and 0 against. Concerns raised by an objector regarding potential anti-social behaviour and property value reduction were addressed by the applicant, who outlined robust management strategies and staffing protocols.

78 Kings Drive, Edgware

The committee refused planning permission for part single, part two-storey side and rear extensions, and the retention of a rear outbuilding at 78 Kings Drive. The officer's recommendation for refusal was upheld by a majority vote of 3-1 with one abstention. The reasons for refusal cited the disproportionate size, height, and siting of the extensions and outbuilding, which were considered detrimental to the character and appearance of the property and street scene, and harmful to the amenities of neighbouring occupiers. The outbuilding had a history of previous refusals and dismissed appeals.

Fenton House, Hadley Green West, Barnet

An application for alterations to Fenton House, including roof reconstruction, window replacements, extensions, and rendering of the facade, was refused by the committee. The vote was tied at 2-2, with one abstention, leading the Chair to use her casting vote in favour of refusal. The primary reason for refusal was that the proposed white rendering of the external walls was considered obtrusive, inharmonious, and out of keeping with the character and appearance of the property and the wider Monken Hadley Conservation Area. Officers noted that the rendering would obscure the existing red brick and architectural detailing, negatively impacting the conservation area and potentially competing with the appearance of the neighbouring Grade II listed Pymlicoe House.

Fairfield, Oakleigh Park North, London and 79 Oakleigh Park North, London

The committee considered two applications related to tree removal at Fairfield and 79 Oakleigh Park North. For Fairfield, the committee voted to approve the removal of one false acacia tree (T2) but refused consent for the removal of a mature oak tree (T1). This decision was made after a proposal to split the decision, with the false acacia being removed subject to conditions, and the oak tree being retained. The vote was 5 in favour of the split decision. For 79 Oakleigh Park North, the committee approved the removal of one false acacia tree (T2) subject to conditions, with a vote of 4 in favour and 1 against. These decisions were made in the context of alleged subsidence damage to the block of flats at Fairfield, with the council needing to balance the amenity value of the trees against potential compensation liabilities. The approved root barrier installation was also a factor in the decision.