The Planning Committee of Barnet Council met on Wednesday 30 October 2024, approving the demolition and rebuild of the Church Hall at St Mary the Virgin in Barnet, subject to conditions, and granting permission for a change of use at 7 Northfield Road to a children's home. The committee refused an application for extensions and an outbuilding at 78 Kings Drive, Edgware, and refused the rendering of Fenton House in Hadley Green. Decisions were made regarding the removal of trees at Fairfield and 79 Oakley Park North, with the removal of a false acacia tree approved at 79 Oakley Park North, and a split decision made for Fairfield, approving the removal of a false acacia but refusing the removal of an oak tree.

Church Hall at St Mary the Virgin, Barnet

The committee approved the demolition and rebuild of the Church Hall at St Mary the Virgin in Barnet, located on Camlet Way. This decision was made despite objections from heritage officers who cited substantial harm to a non-designated heritage asset, harm to the setting of the Grade II* listed church, and damage to the Monken Hadley Conservation Area. The committee also noted that the proposed replacement building would be materially larger than the existing structure, constituting inappropriate development in the Green Belt. However, the committee voted to approve the application, with Councillor Tim Roberts proposing that the community benefits of a new hall outweighed the harm, and Councillor Humayune Khalick seconding the motion. The approval was granted subject to conditions, including those related to materials, construction management, biodiversity, and archaeological investigation.

7 Northfield Road, Barnet

Permission was granted for a change of use at 7 Northfield Road, Barnet, to establish a Class C2 children's home for up to three children. This decision was made despite objections from local residents concerned about highway safety, noise, and potential anti-social behaviour. The applicant, Helga Henry, assured the committee that robust management strategies, including 24/7 staffing and therapeutic parenting approaches, would be in place. Councillors acknowledged the significant need for children's homes in Barnet, particularly for those with emotional needs, and noted that the proposal aligned with the council's commitment to supporting vulnerable children. The application was approved subject to conditions, including those related to staffing, management strategies, and the provision of cycle parking and waste management facilities.

78 Kings Drive, Edgware

An application for a part single, part two-storey side and rear extension, along with the retention of an existing outbuilding at 78 Kings Drive, Edgware, was refused. The committee cited concerns about the size, height, and siting of the proposed extensions and outbuilding, deeming them disproportionate and detrimental to the character and appearance of the host property and street scene. The outbuilding, in particular, was considered visually obtrusive and harmful to the amenities of neighbouring occupiers. Councillor Nick Mearing-Smith, the Ward Member for Edgware, spoke in support of the application, arguing it was not out of keeping with the street. However, the committee voted to refuse the application, with three votes in favour of refusal and one against.

Fenton House, Hadley Green West

The committee refused an application for alterations and reconstruction of the main roof at Fenton House, Hadley Green West, which included the addition of dormer windows, rooflights, and a glazed link, as well as rendering the façade. The primary reason for refusal was that the proposed white rendering would be unduly obtrusive, inharmonious, and out of keeping with the character and appearance of the property and the wider Monken Hadley Conservation Area. Heritage officers had objected to any form of render, considering it harmful to the conservation area's character and potentially detrimental to the setting of the adjacent Grade II* listed Pymlicoe House. The committee voted two in favour of refusal and two against, with one abstainer. Councillor Claire Farrier, the Chair, used her casting vote to support the officer's recommendation for refusal.

Fairfield Oakleigh Park North and 79 Oakleigh Park North

Decisions were made regarding the removal of three trees subject to Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) at Fairfield Oakleigh Park North and 79 Oakleigh Park North. For Fairfield, a split decision was made: the removal of a false acacia tree (T2) was approved subject to conditions, while the removal of a mature oak tree (T1) was refused. This decision was based on the significant amenity value of the oak tree, which was deemed not sufficiently outweighed by the alleged subsidence damage. The false acacia was considered to be of poor quality. For 79 Oakleigh Park North, the removal of a false acacia tree (T2) was approved. These decisions were made in light of potential compensation liabilities for the council if consent was refused, alongside the amenity value of the trees. The approved root barrier installation at Fairfield was also a key consideration.

The committee voted to approve the removal of the false acacia at 79 Oakleigh Park North, with four votes in favour and one against. For Fairfield, Councillor Humayune Khalick proposed refusing the oak tree's removal while approving the false acacia's removal, which was seconded and carried by five votes to zero.