The Planning Committee convened to discuss several planning applications, including retrospective applications and new developments. Councillor Richard Barnes declared an interest in item 11, 11 Prospect Road, and did not vote on the item. The committee approved applications for Alexandra Road, Temple Fortune Parade and Renters Avenue, and refused applications for Marsh Lane and Llanvanor Road.

Rear of 39 Alexandra Road

Two applications relating to the rear of 39 Alexandra Road were up for discussion again, having been deferred from a previous meeting. Both applications, 25/0111/FUL for a single-storey building and 25/0110/FUL for a part single, part two-storey building, were for the demolition of an existing building and erection of a new building for use as a communal facility for the ritual washing of deceased members of the Jewish community.

The planning officer recommended refusal for both applications, citing harm to neighbouring amenities due to the height and proximity of the proposed buildings to neighbouring boundaries.

Councillor Alex Prager, Ward Councillor for Hendon, spoke in support of both applications, emphasising the community requirements and lack of objections from neighbours. Geoff Curtis, representing the Chavra Kadisha, the organisation applying for the site, explained the building was no longer fit for purpose and the new facility would allow them to store coffins on site, have their own hearse, and provide a respectable indoor family room.

The committee voted to approve both applications, against officer recommendations.

61 Marsh Lane

The committee considered application TPP/0377/24 for the felling of an oak tree at 61 Marsh Lane, due to concerns that it was causing subsidence damage to the property. The planning officer presented the report, noting that the tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order¹ and its removal could have financial implications for the council. The council's structural engineer found that tree roots extended below the foundations of the property, which were too shallow, and that the soil was desiccated due to moisture extraction by the vegetation. The applicant asserted that the financial risk to the council should they seek compensation could be up to £100,000.

The committee discussed whether a root barrier and regular pruning would be sufficient to prevent further damage. The planning officer advised that a root barrier would physically prevent tree roots from growing towards the property.

The committee voted to refuse the application.

5 Llanvanor Road

The committee discussed application 24/3526/RCU, a retrospective application for the conversion of 2 self-contained flats to 4 self-contained flats at 5 Llanvanor Road. The planning officer presented the report, noting that the application was for retention of works already carried out.

Rachel Pine, a local resident, spoke in objection, raising concerns about rubbish, fly-tipping, and the lack of enforcement by the council. Joe Henry, the planning agent, spoke in support, stating that the flats are designed to provide occupation for a maximum of eight persons and are located close to Finchley Road.

The planning officer recommended approval, stating that the development complies with standards and policy requirements. However, Councillor Claire Farrier expressed concerns about the poor design of the units, particularly the lack of natural light in one of the kitchens, and the small living area in the two-bedroom unit.

The committee voted to refuse the application on the grounds of poor amenity for future occupants due to the poor design and layout of the units, and the impact on the street scene due to refuse.

40 Temple Fortune Parade

The committee considered application 24/2930/OUT for a three-storey rear extension and an additional storey at 40 Temple Fortune Parade, as well as the change of use of the existing first and second floor flats to provide an 18-room HMO² and 3 one-bedroom flats. The planning officer presented the report, recommending approval subject to conditions. Mindy Jacobs, representing the residents on Hayes Crescent, spoke in objection, raising concerns about parking, antisocial behaviour, and crime. Joe Henry, the agent, spoke in support, stating that the proposal was submitted following extensive pre-application advice with the council.

The planning officer stated that the Environmental Health Housing Officers HMO team work on SALSA's³, and they did provide comments. The committee voted to approve the application.

11 Prospect Road

The committee discussed application 25/1589/HSE for retrospective permission for demolition of side extensions, a two-storey side extension, a single-storey rear extension, and alterations to the rear garden at 11 Prospect Road. Councillor Richard Barnes declared an interest and did not vote on this item.

The planning officer presented the report, noting that the application was partly retrospective and that the extensions had already been built. The officer recommended approval, stating that the proposed garden alterations had been allowed at appeal in November 2024.

Giovanni Subasingh, a neighbour, spoke in objection, stating that the development was too big and dominant, and that it had reduced privacy. Joe Henry, the agent, spoke in support, stating that the proposed garden alterations were the same as the proposal recently allowed on appeal.

The committee voted to approve the application.

33 and 33A Renters Avenue

The committee considered application 25/0687/FUL for the conversion of existing dwellings into 3 self-contained flats at 33 and 33A Renters Avenue, including extensions and associated works. The planning officer presented the report, recommending approval subject to conditions.

The committee voted to approve the application.