Tube station development refused

12 Dec 2025 Ken

Tube Station Update

On Monday 8 December 2025, Barnet Council’s Strategic Planning Committee considered Barratt London’s proposal for 283 flats on the High Barnet Station car park (application reference 25/2671/FUL).


After nearly three hours of discussion, the Committee refused the application by a vote of 8–1. The reasons for refusal included:

  • Excessive height, including buildings rising above the limits set out in Barnet’s Local Plan
  • Harm to local context and character, including visual impact on nearby heritage and townscape

The decision follows the previous week’s refusal of a separate major scheme for 1,485 homes at the former Great North Leisure Park in Finchley. The refusals in spite of a recommendation from officers to approve both schemes, indicate the committee members are taking an independent line in assessing proposals. Thank you councillors.

Summary of the Committee Meeting

The Planning Officer opened the meeting with a summary of the 100-page report and recommended approval.

Three local councillors — Cllr Sue Baker, Cllr David Longstaff and Cllr Mark Shuter — addressed the Committee to set out their concerns about the proposal.

Twelve residents had requested to speak; in line with Committee procedure, one was selected to represent the group. By agreement between speakers, Simon Kaufmann, architect and Barnet Society committee member, presented the case against the scheme. He was supported by Gordon Massey (Planning Consultant, former BRA Chair) and Nick Saul (BRA & Barnet Society).

Simon highlighted several issues, including:

  • The height of some blocks exceeding Barnet’s Local Plan limits
  • The absence of a Conservation Officer’s assessment
  • Visual impact on St John the Baptist’s Church and High Barnet Station
  • Concerns about housing quality, public realm, inclusivity, personal safety and congestion
  • Limited evidence of collaborative consultation
  • Lack of community benefits
  • Worsening of station access

One supporter of the scheme also spoke.

Barratt London representatives outlined their experience delivering housing elsewhere and responded to councillors’ questions. Committee members focused in particular on the justification for exceeding the 7-storey height limit. Questions were raised about whether the applicant had fully considered the area’s established skyline.

When put to the vote, the Committee refused the application.

Because the application is of strategic importance, the decision will be referred to the Mayor of London, who may review or call in the scheme.

Barratt London may also choose to appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.
Alternatively, they may decide to submit a revised proposal, potentially reducing the height of the tallest blocks and adjusting the design to reflect the local character more closely.

Improving interchange and accessibility around the station — as well as addressing parking and transport considerations — may influence public and stakeholder response to any future submission.

Collaboration Between BRA and Barnet Society

Throughout this process, Barnet Residents Association and The Barnet Society have continued to work together in the shared interests of local residents. 

Our previous information and analysis can be found here:

BRA will continue to keep residents informed as further developments arise.