Councillor Richard Barnes

Planning Committee - Wednesday 14th January, 2026 7.00 pm

The Planning Committee of Barnet Council met on Wednesday 14 January 2026 to discuss several planning applications. Key decisions included the approval of a change of use for a synagogue at 114 Finchley Lane, the construction of three new dwellings at the rear of 35-49 Gainsborough Road, the conversion of a property at 25 Green Lane into supported living accommodation, and the approval of extensions and alterations to a house at 10 Cotswold Gardens.

Strategic Planning Committee - Monday 8th December, 2025 7.00 pm, NEW

The Strategic Planning Committee of Barnet Council was scheduled to meet on 8 December 2025 at Hendon Town Hall. The agenda included a planning application for the redevelopment of the High Barnet Station Car Park, and a discussion of any urgent items raised by Councillor Nigel Young, the Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee.

Strategic Planning Committee - Thursday 4th December, 2025 7.00 pm

The Barnet Strategic Planning Committee refused planning permission for the comprehensive redevelopment of the Great North Leisure Park on Chaplin Square, London, against officer recommendations, citing concerns about overdevelopment, poor public transport accessibility, and the height, mass, and bulk of the proposed buildings in a suburban setting. The committee agreed that the application would be referrable to the Mayor of London, and that the reasons for refusal would be based on the high density of the proposal, the poor public transport accessibility level of the site, and the height, mass and bulk of the development being inappropriate in the suburban setting.

Extraordinary Council, Council - Tuesday 2nd December, 2025 7.00 pm

The extraordinary meeting of Barnet Council was called to discuss a motion regarding secrecy and failures in corporate parenting following the deaths of three care-experienced young people. The council agreed to strengthen briefing protocols for members and ensure that all corporate parents are immediately informed of any event involving looked-after young persons which may reasonably be expected to require an inquest. An amendment to the motion calling for the resignation of the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Family Friendly Barnet was rejected.

Cabinet - Tuesday 18th November, 2025 7.00 pm

The Barnet Council cabinet met to discuss a range of issues, including financial planning, housing, environmental initiatives, and community safety. Key decisions included approving a temporary accommodation reduction plan, Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs), and a 20mph zone policy.