Councillor Richard Cornelius

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.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Thursday 13th November, 2025 7.00 pm

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Barnet Council met on 13 November 2025, to discuss several key issues including a new Parks and Open Spaces Strategy, temporary accommodation pressures, and the council's financial forecast. The committee made recommendations to the cabinet regarding the consultation period for the Parks and Open Spaces Strategy, and requested more detailed information on the action plan. The committee also stressed the need for increased lobbying of central government to address temporary accommodation costs, and requested a review of the council's approach to recovering debt.

Strategic Planning Committee - Tuesday 11th November, 2025 7.00 pm

The Strategic Planning Committee met to discuss an application to amend a previously approved planning permission for Autopia House, 231 Colney Hatch Lane, London, N11 3DG. The committee voted to grant planning permission for the amended plans, subject to a Section 106 agreement[^2] and referral to the Mayor of London.

Council - Tuesday 21st October, 2025 7.00 pm

The Barnet Council meeting on 21 October 2025 included tributes to former councillors Vanessa Gearson and Agnes Slocum, a discussion on high streets resulting in a decision to provide a written response to a deputation, and a discussion on public engagement in major developments, also resulting in a decision to provide a written report. The council also unanimously carried a joint motion condemning the Yom Kippur terrorist attack in Manchester.