The Planning Committee of Barnet Council met on Wednesday 09 October 2024 to discuss several planning applications. Key decisions included the approval of an additional floor at Marwood Court, the deferral of a decision on the demolition and rebuild of St. Mary's Church Hall, and the approval of multiple electric vehicle charging point installations across the borough.

Marwood Court, 25 Gruneisen Road, London N3 1LT

The committee approved the outline planning application for the construction of a third floor level to provide two additional one-bedroom flats at Marwood Court. This decision was made despite an initial error in the officer's report regarding the height increase, which was subsequently corrected. Concerns raised by objectors included loss of privacy, light, and overdevelopment, but the committee found that the distances involved mitigated these concerns and that the proposed pitched roof was in keeping with the character of the area. The proposal was recommended for approval, and the committee voted in favour of this recommendation.

St. Mary's Church Hall, Camlet Way, Barnet EN4 0NJ

A decision on the demolition and rebuild of the existing two-storey Church Hall was deferred. The application had been called into committee by Councillor Emma Whysall on heritage grounds. Heritage officers objected on the grounds of substantial harm to a non-designated heritage asset, significant harm to the setting of a Grade II* listed building, and harm to the character and appearance of the Monken Hadley Conservation Area. Concerns were also raised about the proposal being inappropriate development within the Green Belt. While officers recommended refusal, the committee voted to defer the decision to the next meeting, citing the potential community benefits outweighing the harms and the need for further consideration of the design and its fit within the local area.

Millway, London NW7 3QR

The committee approved the erection of a rear outbuilding at 27A Millway. The outbuilding is intended for use as a gym, home office, and storage. Objections were raised regarding potential contamination from the site's former use as a British Rail freight depot, as well as concerns about tree damage and drainage. However, the officer's assessment concluded that the proposed screw pile foundations would mitigate harm to trees, and the use of the outbuilding as ancillary to the main dwelling was deemed acceptable.

Electric Vehicle Charging Points

The committee approved several applications for the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging points and associated advertising screens across the borough. These included installations at:

• 18 Hampden Square, London N14 5JR: Approved for the installation of an EV charging point with a double-sided LCD screen and feeder pillar.
• 11-12 Onslow Parade, Hampden Square, London N14 5JN: Approved for the installation of an EV charging point with a double-sided LCD screen and feeder pillar.
• 4, 6 And 8 Church Hill Road, Barnet EN4 8TB: Approved for the installation of an EV charging point with a double-sided LCD screen and feeder pillar.

These applications were generally supported by officers, with no objections raised by Highways or the Designing Out Crime officer. Concerns from objectors regarding parking, distraction to drivers, and visual amenity were addressed by officers, who concluded that the proposals would not have an adverse impact on public safety or the street scene. The dual functionality of the units, combining EV charging with advertising, was seen as a way to reduce street clutter and fund the charging infrastructure.

The committee voted to approve these applications, subject to conditions.