The Planning Committee of Barnet Council met on Wednesday 14 January 2026, determining four planning applications. Key decisions included the approval of a change of use and extensions for a synagogue on Finchley Lane, the demolition of garages and erection of three dwellings on Gainsborough Road, and the conversion of a house to supported living accommodation on Green Lane. An application for extensions to a property on Cotswold Gardens was also approved.

114 Finchley Lane, London, NW4 1DG

The committee approved the change of use of a former doctor's surgery at 114 Finchley Lane to a synagogue, along with a single-storey side and rear extension. This decision overturned the officers' recommendation for refusal, which had cited concerns about the scale, depth, width, massing, design, and siting of the extensions and air conditioning units, believing them to be disproportionate and detrimental to the character and appearance of the area.

Lord Jonathan Kestenbaum spoke in support of the application, highlighting the community benefit and the grassroots nature of the venture, and also referencing security concerns in light of recent events. Emily Benedek, the agent, reiterated that the extensions were vital for providing the necessary prayer space and had been designed to be proportionate and respectful of the existing property and street scene. She also noted that the air conditioning units had previously been approved. Councillor Josh Mastin-Lee, new to the application, sought clarification on resident support and ward councillor engagement, which was confirmed to be positive. The committee voted to approve the application, subject to conditions, with three members abstaining.

Land Rear of 35-49 Gainsborough Road, London N12 8AA

The committee approved the demolition of existing garages and the erection of three single-storey dwellings on land to the rear of 35-49 Gainsborough Road. The proposal, which includes amenity space and refuse/recycling/bicycle enclosures, was recommended for approval subject to a Section 106 agreement.

The officer's report noted that the principle of residential development on this site had been previously accepted, and the current single-storey, lower-quantum development addressed previous concerns regarding overdevelopment and harm to the character of the area. The applicant's agent, Dominic Dear, explained the evolution of the scheme from a much larger proposal to the current, more modest one, emphasizing that it provided family units with no harm to neighbours. Concerns raised by residents during public consultation regarding overlooking, access, parking, and the character of the area were addressed by the reduced scale and single-storey nature of the development. The committee voted unanimously to approve the application.

25 Green Lane, Edgware, HA8 7PL

The committee approved the change of use of a dwellinghouse at 25 Green Lane, Edgware to supported living accommodation for up to eight residents, with associated internal alterations and ancillary staff facilities. The decision was made subject to conditions, including enhanced sound insulation and adherence to a noise management plan.

The application was called in due to significant local objection. Jiten Majithia, a neighbour, expressed concerns about safety measures for residents and neighbours, the clarity of staffing levels, and the proximity to a local nursery school. He also raised issues regarding parking and the potential for residents to go out unsupervised. Jason Eng, the agent for ML Homes, clarified that the facility would cater for adults with stable mental health conditions requiring low to medium support, and that residents undergo thorough assessments. He stated that staff would be present 24 hours a day, and that ML Homes has extensive experience in supported living. Councillor Humayune Khalick (Deputy Mayor) noted that planning decisions should focus on planning reasons rather than operational ones. The officers' report highlighted that while there would be some harm to the character of the area and neighbouring amenity due to increased activity, this was outweighed by the need for such accommodation and its appropriate location. The committee voted to approve the application.

10 Cotswold Gardens, London, NW2 1QR

The committee approved the proposed part single, part two-storey side and rear extension, conversion of the existing garage into a habitable room, and roof extension involving a rear dormer window and front-facing rooflights at 10 Cotswold Gardens, London, NW2 1QR. The application was recommended for approval subject to conditions.

The officer's report noted that a similar application had been approved in November 2024, establishing a fallback position. The current proposal involved a reduction in the depth of the rear extension from six metres to four metres, which was considered an improvement. Objections from residents and the Golders Green Estate Residents Association focused on concerns about potential misuse as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), overdevelopment, and harm to the character of the area. Councillor Alan Schneiderman spoke in objection, citing overdevelopment and the salami slicing approach to applications. Lucas Killmek, the agent, highlighted that the proposal was a householder application for extensions to a single dwelling and that any change of use would be a separate matter for enforcement. The committee voted to approve the application, with one member voting against. An informative was attached to the permission clarifying that the approval did not grant consent for an HMO use.