Three self-contained flats at 18 Macdonald Road, Friern Barnet, London N11

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing the existing dwelling and outbuildings and building a two-storey home with roof rooms containing three self-contained flats.

“Proposal: Demolition of the existing dwelling and outbuildings and erection of a two storey dwelling with rooms in the roofspace to provide 3no. self- contained flats. Associated amenity space, refuse and recycling and cycle storage…”

Officer report

The site

The site is a detached two-storey dwelling in a mainly residential area, outside a conservation area and without protected trees or listed buildings.

“The surrounding area is predominantly residential, comprising a mix of two storey semi- detached and terraced dwellings of similar architectural design. The applicant site itself is somewhat anomalous amongst its surroundings in design and form.”

“There are no protected trees on site, or on adjacent land, nor does the application site lie within a conservation area or contain a locally or statutory listed building.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier applications for a similar three-flat redevelopment were refused in February 2025 and withdrawn in July 2025.

“Reference: 25/2232/FUL Address: 18 Macdonald Road, London, N11 3JB Decision: Withdrawn Decision Date: 23 July 2025 Description: Demolition of the existing dwelling and outbuildings and erection of a two storey dwelling with rooms in the roofspace to provide 3no. self-contained flats. Associated amenity space, cycle and refuse and recycle store.”

“Reference: 24/5607/FUL Address: 18 Macdonald Road, London, N11 3JB Decision: Refused Decision Date: 13 February 2025 Description: Demolition of the existing dwelling and outbuildings and erection of a two storey dwelling with rooms in the roofspace to provide 3no. self-contained flats. Associated amenity space, cycle and refuse and recycle store…”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

Eighteen objections cited concerns including overdevelopment, loss of light and privacy, parking, highway safety, construction disturbance, biodiversity and infrastructure.

“- Proposal considered out of character with the street, with excessive size, height, bulk, and overdevelopment compared to surrounding properties - Loss of a family dwelling and concerns about intensification into flats or potential HMO use, contrary to local planning policies - Significant loss of light, sunlight, outlook and increased overshadowing, including impacts on neighbouring gardens and living spaces - Loss of privacy and increased overlooking, including from…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The planning officer presented the report, and the agent spoke in support of the application.

The decision

The committee approved the application subject to conditions and delegated authority for minor changes to the conditions or decision wording.

“RESOLVED that the application was APPROVED subject to the conditions and the Committee grants delegated authority to the Service Director – Planning and Building Control to make any minor alterations, additions or deletions to the recommended conditions/obligations or reasons for refusal as set out in this report and addendum provided this authority shall be exercised after consultation with the Chair (or in their absence the Vice-Chair) of the Committee (who may request…”

Minutes