The Planning Committee of Barnet Council met on Tuesday 21 April 2026, confirming a Tree Preservation Order for woodland opposite 15 Sunset View, and approving extensions at 31 Foscote Road. The committee also debated and ultimately refused an application for a basement extension at 19 Wellgarth Road, and deferred a decision on the subdivision of 40 Midland Terrace.

Woodland at Land Opposite 15 Sunset View

The committee confirmed a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) for woodland at Land Opposite 15 Sunset View, Barnet EN5 4LB. This decision was made to protect the woodland, which has been classified as lowland mixed deciduous woodland, a priority habitat. The TPO was confirmed with modifications, and an existing TPO was varied. The decision was made despite an objection from Barnet Estates and Barnet Recreational Trust, who argued the TPO was unnecessary and would hinder woodland management. Local residents, represented by Paul Nunn, spoke in strong support of the TPO, highlighting the woodland's public amenity value, wildlife importance, and its role in mitigating flood risk. The committee voted unanimously to confirm the order.

19 Wellgarth Road

An application for a basement excavation at 19 Wellgarth Road, Hampstead Garden Suburb, was refused by the committee. The proposal included the excavation of a basement with associated light wells and skylights, re-landscaping of the rear terrace, and alterations to doors. Objectors, including residents and the Hampstead Garden Suburb Trust, raised concerns about overdevelopment, heritage harm, flood risk, structural integrity, and disruption during construction. They argued the scale of the basement was excessive and would negatively impact the character of the conservation area. While officers recommended approval subject to conditions, the committee voted to refuse the application, citing the scale of the excavation and its potential impact on neighbouring properties and the conservation area. Councillor Kamal Bahadur Gurung proposed the refusal, citing unnecessary overdevelopment and harm to the character of the house and conservation area.

40 Midland Terrace

The committee considered an application to subdivide 40 Midland Terrace, London NW2 6QH, into two separate dwellings. The property is a locally listed building within the Cricklewood Railway Cottages Conservation Area. The officer's recommendation was to refuse the application on the grounds that it would result in the loss of a family-sized home, contrary to Barnet Local Plan Policy HOU03. Councillor Anne Clarke spoke in support of the application, arguing that reinstating the property to its original two-cottage configuration would increase the number of homes and that the cottages, whether one or two units, are sought after by families. The applicant, Paul Hoskins, also spoke in favour, stating the proposal would restore the original architecture without harming the character of the street or conservation area. After a vote, the committee was minded to approve the application, leading to a deferral for further consideration at a future meeting.

31 Foscote Road

Permission was granted for a single-storey side and rear extension, a new front porch, and a roof extension at 31 Foscote Road, London NW4 3SE. The property is a detached dwellinghouse in the West Hendon ward. The proposed extensions were considered to be in keeping with the character of the property and the surrounding area, and would not cause significant harm to neighbouring amenities. The roof extension had a lawful development certificate, providing a fallback position. No objections were received from neighbours. The application was recommended for approval by officers and was subsequently approved by the committee.