The Planning Committee of Barnet Council met on Monday 17 November 2025, discussing a range of planning applications. Key decisions included the approval of a new care home at 84 West Heath Road, the refusal of a retrospective application for commercial swimming lessons at 30 Allandale Avenue, and the deferral of a decision on a synagogue development at 114 Finchley Lane.

84 West Heath Road, NW3 7UJ (Childs Hill)

The committee approved the demolition of an existing building and the construction of a new three-storey care home with a lower ground floor. This decision was made subject to a Section 106 agreement, which will secure contributions towards a travel plan, parking restrictions, carbon offsetting, local employment, and ecological monitoring. Concerns raised by objectors regarding the scale of the development, potential impact on trees, and the integrity of the care home use were addressed by the revised plans, which included a reduced footprint, stepped building height, and enhanced landscaping. The proposal was noted to exceed the minimum biodiversity net gain requirement.

30 Allandale Avenue, N3 3PJ (Finchley Church End)

The committee refused a retrospective application to use an existing swimming pool building for commercial children's swimming lessons. Officers recommended refusal, citing concerns about the introduction of a commercial operation into a quiet residential area, which they deemed harmful to the established character and tranquillity of the street. Objectors highlighted issues of noise disturbance, increased traffic, and parking congestion, while supporters emphasized the social value of the facility, particularly for children with special educational needs. Environmental Health officers expressed concerns about the adequacy of the noise impact assessment and the practicality of enforcing noise conditions.

114 Finchley Lane, London, NW4 1DG (Hendon)

A decision on the change of use of a former doctor's surgery to a synagogue, along with proposed extensions and alterations, was deferred to the next Planning Committee meeting. While the principle of the change of use was accepted, and there were no objections from neighbours, officers had recommended refusal due to concerns about the scale, depth, massing, and design of the proposed extensions, which they felt would be disproportionate and dominant in the street scene. Supporters, including local councillors and residents, highlighted the community benefits of the scheme and argued that the design was sympathetic and necessary for the synagogue's viability, particularly in light of security concerns.

15 Brunner Close London NW11 6NP (Garden Suburb)

The committee refused an application to fell an oak tree, which was protected by a Tree Preservation Order. The application was made due to alleged subsidence damage to a neighbouring property, 13 Brunner Close. Objectors, including the tree owner, argued that the tree predated the neighbouring property and that the insurers of 13 Brunner Close were attempting to avoid paying for repairs. They also highlighted the tree's significant amenity value and historical importance within the Hampstead Garden Suburb, and suggested alternative engineering solutions for the subsidence. Officers noted the potential financial implications for the Council if consent were refused, but ultimately the committee voted against the removal of the tree.

The Spinney 25 Granville Road London N12 0HR (West Finchley)

The committee approved plans for a two-storey rear extension and an additional storey to provide a new dwelling. This decision was made subject to conditions and delegated authority to the Service Director for Planning and Building Control for minor alterations. Previous refusals for this site had been due to ecological concerns, but these were addressed by the submission of updated surveys and conditions.

29 The Hook, Barnet, EN5 1LQ (Barnet Vale)

Plans for part single, part two-storey side and rear extensions, along with a single-storey front extension, were approved. The decision was made subject to conditions and delegated authority. The application had faced objections from neighbours regarding scale, overdevelopment, and impact on amenity. The previous refusals for this site related to the principle of converting the property into flats, which was not part of this current proposal. The committee's decision to approve was made by the Chair's casting vote after the committee was tied.

63 Corringham Road, NW11 7BS (Childs Hill)

The committee approved plans for a single-storey rear extension, alterations to the front porch, changes to fenestration, and the installation of an air source heat pump. This decision was made subject to conditions and delegated authority. Objectors raised concerns about the depth and scale of the extension, loss of light, overbearing impact, and potential harm to the adjacent conservation area. Officers assessed that the proposed extension was subordinate to the host dwelling and sympathetic to the area, and that it would not harm neighbouring amenities or the conservation area.

217 - 219 Golders Green Road NW11 9BY (Golders Green)

The committee refused an application for a part three, part four, part five-storey building to provide nine flats. Officers recommended refusal, citing concerns about the bulk, scale, height, and design of the building, which they considered to be out of keeping with the area and harmful to its character and appearance. The proposal was also found to not wholly provide adequate quality accommodation and lacked an agreement to restrict future occupiers from purchasing car parking permits for the residents' controlled parking zone.