The Planning Committee of Barnet Council met on Tuesday 21 April 2026, confirming a Tree Preservation Order for woodland at Land Opposite 15 Sunset View, refusing a proposal to subdivide a property at 40 Midland Terrace, and deferring a decision on basement excavations at 19 Wellgarth Road. The committee also approved extensions at 31 Foscote Road.

Woodland at Land Opposite 15 Sunset View Barnet EN5 4LB

The committee confirmed a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) for woodland at Land Opposite 15 Sunset View, Barnet EN5 4LB. This decision was made in response to a planning application for a new dwelling on the site, which had been refused due to the loss of trees and woodland habitat. The TPO aims to protect the woodland's character and biodiversity, fulfilling the council's duty under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006. The order was confirmed with modifications, and an existing TPO was varied to remove specific trees that are no longer present or are of lesser significance. Paul Nunn spoke in support of the TPO, highlighting the woodland's public amenity value, wildlife importance, and its role in flood risk mitigation. He noted that a community petition to save the woodland had gathered over 2,500 signatures.

19 Wellgarth Road NW11 7HP

The committee considered an application for the excavation of a basement at 19 Wellgarth Road, NW11 7HP, within the Hampstead Garden Suburb Conservation Area. The proposal included associated light wells, skylights, re-landscaping of the rear terrace, and alterations to doors. The application faced objections from local residents and the Hampstead Garden Suburb Trust, citing concerns about overdevelopment, heritage harm, flood risk, ground movement, and construction disruption. Speakers highlighted the inadequate flood risk assessment, the potential for structural damage to neighbouring properties, and the significant traffic impact during construction. Councillor Michael Mire, the local ward councillor, also raised concerns about the scale and nature of the basement development not fitting the context of the conservation area. The agent, Rory Aikenhead, argued that the development would have no material impact on the locally listed building and that concerns about flooding and structural integrity were unfounded or manageable. After extensive debate, the committee voted three in favour of approval and three against. As the vote was tied and the chair did not agree with approval, the committee was minded not to approve the application. Following clarification on procedure, Councillor Kamal Bahadur Gurung proposed refusal on the grounds of unnecessary overdevelopment and harm to the character of the house and conservation area due to the scale of excavation and potential impact on neighbours. Councillor Josh Mastin-Lee seconded the motion. The application was subsequently refused.

40 Midland Terrace London NW2 6QH

The committee considered an application to subdivide a property at 40 Midland Terrace, London NW2 6QH, into two separate dwellings. The property is located within the Cricklewood Railway Cottages Conservation Area and is locally listed. The officer's recommendation for refusal was based on Policy HOU03 of the Barnet Local Plan, which requires the provision of at least one three-bedroom family home when subdividing larger properties. The proposed subdivision would result in two two-bedroom dwellings, thus failing to meet this requirement and contradicting the strategic aim of prioritising family homes. Councillor Anne Clarke spoke in support of the application, arguing that the property was originally two cottages and that reinstating this configuration would be a common-sense approach, especially given the lack of objections from residents. Paul Hoskins, the applicant, also spoke in favour, stating that the proposal would not harm the character of the street or conservation area and would increase the number of homes available. He suggested that the issue was a technicality regarding room size and that restoring the original architecture would be beneficial. The committee voted against the officers' recommendation to refuse. Councillor Richard Barnes proposed a deferral, arguing that while the proposal might technically fall foul of modern requirements, it would return the property to its original state, which he felt outweighed the technicalities. Councillor Lachhya Bahadur Gurung seconded the deferral. The application was deferred for further consideration, with the committee minded to approve it.

31 Foscote Road NW4 3SE

The committee approved an application for extensions at 31 Foscote Road, NW4 3SE. The proposal included single-storey side and rear extensions, a new front porch, and roof extensions, including hip-to-gable conversions and dormer windows. The officer's report noted that the proposed extensions were consistent with the council's Residential Design Guidance SPD and commensurate with other extensions in the area. A certificate of lawfulness for the roof extensions had already been granted, providing a fallback position. No objections were received from neighbours or statutory consultees. The application was recommended for approval and subsequently approved by the committee.

The meeting concluded with thanks to the committee members and officers, particularly noting that this was the final meeting for Chair Councillor Claire Farrier before the upcoming elections.