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Planning Committee - Monday 12th May, 2025 7.00 pm

May 12, 2025 View on council website  Watch video of meeting  Watch video of meeting or read trancript
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Summary

The Barnet Council Planning Committee met on 12 May 2025, to discuss several planning applications. The committee approved an application for the demolition of garage blocks and construction of flats at Anastasia Mews, and another for the demolition of a dwelling and erection of flats at 88 West Heath Road. They refused an application for extensions to a dwelling at 34 Tenterden Gardens. Two applications relating to the rear of 39 Alexandra Road were deferred for a formal decision at the next meeting.

Rear of 39 Alexandra Road

Two applications concerning the site at the rear of 39 Alexandra Road were discussed together, but no decision was made, and both were deferred to the next meeting. One application (25/0111/FUL) was for the demolition of the existing building and erection of a single-storey building, including a parking turntable1. The second (25/0110/FUL) was for a similar proposal, but with a part single, part two-storey building. Both applications were recommended for refusal by planning officers. The site is accessed via an independent road adjacent to 39 Alexandra Road, and is bordered by gardens of properties along Victoria Road, the rear garden boundaries of 37-39 Alexandra Road, and Bell Lane Primary School. The existing building is used as a communal facility for ritual washing of the deceased.

Councillor Alex Prager, Ward Councillor for Hendon, spoke in support of both applications, stating that the proposed development is a vital community asset and the increase in height at its extremities has no material effect on any neighbouring amenity. Councillor Prager also noted that there had been no objections from neighbours to either scheme.

Jeff Curtis, representing the Northwest London Nechevra Kadisha, explained that the organisation is 80 years old and cares for deceased members of the Jewish community, preparing them for burial and performing various religious customs. He said the current premises are no longer fit for purpose and the new facility has been designed with a hoist to assist volunteers, particularly the women, who are mostly over 50. The new facility would also allow for coffins to be stored on-site, and a respectable indoor family room.

Councillor Tim Roberts asked if the reason for the application was to accommodate more funeral events. Councillor Prager responded that there was no intention to increase the volume of work, but to support the volunteers and expedite the process.

Councillor Joshua Conway asked about alternative sites and whether the facility was used by the entire Jewish community. Councillor Prager responded that the organisation services the entire Jewish community in Hendon and beyond, and that the site was donated to the organisation over 30 years ago and has been in constant use since then.

Councillor Elliot Simberg asked what the effect would be on the community if the application was refused. Councillor Prager responded that it would make it difficult for volunteers to carry out their important work.

The planning officer, Fruity Palmer, stated that the reason for refusal relating to character was that the two-storey development was considered out of character with the prevailing pattern of development, even though it's surrounded by taller buildings. Councillor Conway disagreed, stating that the differences that this would make are absolutely minute, and that no one has mentioned anything in regards to this.

The committee agreed that they were minded to approve the applications, but that a formal decision would need to be made at the next meeting.

Garage Blocks, Anastasia Mews

The committee approved an application (24/2297/FUL) for the demolition of existing garage blocks at Anastasia Mews and construction of a two-storey building containing five flats.

The application site is located in Totteridge and Woodside, and is occupied by 22 single-storey garages. To the north is the garages of Downing Court, to the east is the garden boundary of Finchley Lodge, and to the west is Anastasia Mews, a row of seven houses.

Lisa Pluto spoke on behalf of over 30 residents who objected to the planning. She raised concerns about overdevelopment, increased traffic and pollution, overburden on local facilities, loss of 23 parking spaces, drainage problems, and loss of privacy.

Gareth Stockbridge, the agent for the application, said that a survey produced 33 comments of support, the main issue being the benefit of the loss of the unsightly buildings from the area. He added that the policies of the local authority have been fully complied with.

Councillor Richard Barnes asked about drainage problems and where the displaced cars would park. Mr Stockbridge responded that they were not aware of any drainage problems, and that the garages are not in full-time use and the majority are used for storage.

The planning officer stated that the three spaces at the front have 6m between them, which is the measurement that highways always look at and show that someone can drive into a space and reverse out.

The committee voted to approve the application.

88 West Heath Road

The committee approved an application (24/5630/FUL) for the demolition of the existing dwelling at 88 West Heath Road and erection of a two-storey building with a basement level and rooms in the roof space, comprising six residential units.

The application site is located on the northern side of West Heath Road and is adjacent to Eden Close, within Childs Hill Ward. The existing dwelling is set back from the street and is located within an established residential area.

Nicholas James, the agent for the applicant, spoke in support of the application, stating that the proposal has evolved through detailed engagement with the planning officers and has responded comprehensively to feedback received in two pre-application meetings. He added that the design includes features to minimise any impact on neighbours in terms of separation distances and overlooking.

Councillor Roberts asked what the square metres of the open green rooms were as a percentage of the whole roof area. The planning officer responded that they did not know, but estimated it to be 20-25%.

The committee voted to approve the application.

34 Tenterden Gardens

The committee refused an application (25/0136/HSE) for extensions to a single-family dwelling house at 34 Tenterden Gardens.

The application site is located in Hendon and consists of a detached dwelling house.

Sean Green, the applicant, spoke in support of the application, stating that there is simply no uniformity on the street in terms of style, aesthetics, footprints, or roofing patterns. He added that there is no perceived loss of outlook, light, and sense of enclosure.

Councillor Barnes asked if the applicant consulted with the planning officers before finalising the plans. Mr Green responded that he did not, but that in hindsight, had the planning agents approached the neighbours now, they would have been in favour of it.

Councillor Conway stated that every single house has a different roof and design, and therefore to give a reason based on not fitting the area, I just don't understand it. The planning officer responded that the vast majority of houses in the streets still retain their hipped roofs, and that the first floor extension is not set back and subordinate.

The committee voted to refuse the application.


  1. A parking turntable is a rotating platform designed to help vehicles turn around in a small space. 

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