The Strategic Planning Committee of Barnet Council granted outline planning permission for the redevelopment of land to the west of Corner Mead and north of Satchell Mead, known as Grahame Park Northeast. The decision, made subject to conditions and the completion of a Section 106 agreement, allows for the demolition of 156 existing residential units to deliver 463 new homes, including commercial space, with buildings ranging from 2 to 21 storeys.

Grahame Park Northeast Redevelopment Approved

The Strategic Planning Committee of Barnet Council has granted outline planning permission for the comprehensive regeneration of the Grahame Park Northeast site. The approved scheme will see the demolition of 156 existing residential units to make way for 463 new homes, alongside commercial floor space, within buildings that will range from 2 to 21 storeys in height. The development will also include significant public open space, landscaping, and improved pedestrian and cycle provisions. The decision was made subject to a number of conditions and the completion of a Section 106 agreement, and will be referred to the Mayor of London for final consideration.

Key aspects of the approved development include:

• Housing Delivery: The scheme will deliver 463 new residential units, representing a net gain of 307 homes.
• Affordable Housing: A commitment to 50% affordable housing by habitable room is secured, comprising 171 social rent homes and 42 shared ownership homes. This represents a net uplift of 77 affordable homes and no net loss of affordable housing provision.
• Unit Mix: The development will offer a mix of 1 to 4-bedroom homes, with a strong emphasis on family-sized accommodation. 10% of homes will be designed to wheelchair-accessible standards.
• Public Realm and Green Space: The proposal includes 5,250 square metres of public open space, centred around a 'Green Spine' that will enhance connectivity and biodiversity.
• Sustainable Transport: The development is designed as a car-lite scheme with a maximum parking ratio of 0.3 spaces per dwelling, incorporating electric vehicle charging points and extensive cycle parking.
• Demolition and Enabling Works: Full planning permission was granted for the demolition of existing structures and enabling works as Phase 0 of the redevelopment.

Concerns and Mitigation

During the meeting, concerns were raised by local residents regarding the potential impacts of the development on daylight, sunlight, privacy, and the scale and height of the proposed buildings in relation to the existing neighbourhood context. Objectors highlighted significant reductions in daylight and sunlight to neighbouring properties and expressed fears of overlooking from the taller blocks.

In response, the committee added two informatives to the decision:

• Daylight and Sunlight – BRE Benchmark: This informative advises the applicant that at the reserved matters stage, they are encouraged to engage with occupiers of adjoining and nearby residential properties regarding potential daylight and sunlight impacts. Any reserved matters submission should consider neighbouring amenity, relevant planning policy, and BRE guidance, aiming to reduce impacts to minor or negligible effects.
• Daylight and Sunlight – Engagement: This informative encourages the applicant to engage with occupiers of adjoining and nearby residential properties regarding potential daylight and sunlight impacts at the reserved matters stage. Any reserved matters submission should take account of neighbouring amenity, having regard to relevant planning policy and BRE guidance, and seek to reduce impacts to minor or negligible effects.

The committee also noted that while some impacts were identified, they were considered acceptable within the context of the Opportunity Area and would be mitigated through detailed design at the reserved matters stage. The decision to grant planning permission was carried by six votes to two.

The meeting also included discussions on various planning policies, including those related to housing delivery, affordable housing, design, amenity impact, transport, and environmental considerations. The committee noted the importance of the Grahame Park Estate Development SPD¹ and the London Plan² in shaping the decision.