Keeping an eye on development
Members of our very active Planning Committee monitor all significant planning applications in each of the six wards of Finchley and Friern Barnet. We do not hesitate to object to development that we believe would be harmful to our area and to those who live here; equally, we support well designed proposals that would make the area more attractive.
To this end we receive the lists of applications from the Borough which we distribute to individual members of the team (monitors) who consider each one on its merits. There are of course many applications which are small and which will have no detrimental effect on the area and these are not commented on, but those of more importance are carefully scrutinized and, if considered necessary, letters written to the Council expressing our views on the proposals.
Councillors are made aware of our views and we sometimes speak at Council committee meetings when a particularly important scheme is being considered. Our views carry weight, but are not always accepted!
We comment on Government consultation papers and have made many suggestions for improving the draft version of the Borough's revised Unitary Development Plan, which maps out the future of the Barnet's environment for the next ten years and beyond. We also take part in planning appeals, both ‘for’ and ‘against’ the Council. Some have involved long and tough legal cases with witnesses and cross-examination of professional experts.
If there is a planning proposal for scheme near you that is causing you some concern, we may be able to help. In the first instance contact our Secretary, contact details below. Current major schemes under consideration
An extensive library
Over the years the Planning Committee has built up an extensive library of documentation on Planning matters. In this library we now have a series of 'Design Guidance notes' published some years ago by Barnet Borough. These gave some guidance on what changes to the local scene would be regarded as likely or otherwise to be granted planning approval. Barnet confirms that these notes are still valid. To see these notes visit Barnet House, phone 8359 4427 or contact Stephen or Mike, below. We have:
No. 1 Advertising and Signs
No. 2 Selection and siting of satellite antennae
No. 3 Construction of hard standings and vehicle cross-overs
No. 4 Removal or alteration of chimney stacks
No. 5 Extensions to houses
No. 6 Replacement of windows and doors
No. 9 Walls, fences and gates
The Planning Committee
| Chairman | position vacant | – – – |
| Secretary | Mike Dawson | 020 8346 4232 mkdawson4@yahoo.co.uk |
