29, Elmer Gardens, HA8 9AR

1. 1.The proposed extension and conversion of the existing dwelling into 2no. self- contained flats, by reason of the cumulative depth, scale and bulk of the proposed extensions, would result in a building whose overall form and massing fail to appear as a subordinate and sympathetic addition to the host dwelling. The reliance on these extensive enlargements to facilitate the proposed conversion would unacceptably erode the original proportions of the dwelling, resulting in an overly dominant and visually unbalanced appearance within the semi-detached pair. The proposal is therefore contrary to Policy D3 of the London Plan (2021), Policies CDH01 and CDH05 of the Barnet Local Plan (Adopted March 2025) and the Residential Design Guidance SPD (2016).
2. 2.The proposed sub-division of the property to form 2no. self-contained flats, by reason of its location within a road characterised by single family dwellinghouses, would be incongruous to the established pattern of development and contribute towards change in the function and character of the street. Furthermore, the existing dwelling would be below 135 sqm of GIA to meet the site specifications for flat conversions. As such the proposal would be contrary to Policy D3 of the London Plan (2021), Policies CDH01 and HOU03 of the Barnet Local Plan (Adopted March 2025) and the Residential Design Guidance SPD (2016).
3. 3.The proposed flat conversion, by reason of its failure to provide sufficient internal floor to ceiling height to Flat 2 (requirement of internal height of 2.5m for at least 75% of each flat) would result in substandard quality of accommodation for the residential amenities of prospective occupiers. The proposal is therefore contrary to Policy D3 of the London Plan (2021), Policies HOU01 and HOU03 of the LB Barnet Local Plan (Adopted March 2025), the Sustainable Design and Construction SPD (2016) and the Residential Design Guidance SPD (2016).
4. 4.The proposed development is located within Flood Zone 2 and 3 and the application fails to submit evidence to demonstrate the application of the sequential test. As such, insufficient information has been provided to enable the LPA to fully assess that there are no reasonably available sites appropriate for the proposed development in areas with a lower risk of flooding and that the proposed development would not result in an increased risk of flooding elsewhere and remain safe for its lifetime, contrary to Part 14 of the National Planning Policy Framework (2025) as amended, Policy SI 12 of the London Plan (2021) and Policy ECC03 of the Barnet Local Plan (Adopted March 2025).

From the council's decision notice.

Postcode

HA8 9AR

Application type

Full planning permission