EV charging point at Outside 828 - 830 High Road, Finchley, London N12

What was proposed

The application proposed one electric vehicle charging unit with a double-sided LCD screen, feeder pillar and associated electrical connection works.

“Proposal: Installation of 1no. electrical vehicle charging point unit with double- sided LCD screen, feeder pillar and associated electrical connection works…”

Officer report

The site

The site is outside commercial premises beside on-street parking, and is neither listed nor within a conservation area.

“The application site is located outside of 828 - 830 High Road, N12 9RA which are in commercial use and can be found adjacent to the on-street parking.”

“The site is not listed or within a conservation area.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Two earlier applications were withdrawn, while a related advertising application remained pending consideration.

“Reference: 23/4689/FUL Address: O/s 828 - 830 High Road, N12 9RA Decision: Withdrawn Decision Date: May 2024 Description: Installation of 1no. electrical vehicle charging point unit with double sided LCD screen, feeder pillar and associated electrical connection works…”

“Reference: 25/2262/ADV Address: Outside 828 - 830 High Road, N12 9RA Decision: Pending Consideration Decision Date: No Decision Made. Description: Installation of 1no. double-sided internally illuminated LCD screen with integral electrical vehicle charging point…”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the proposal acceptable in relation to the street scene, neighbouring residents, highways and public safety.

“The proposal is considered to be of an appropriate size and scale in relation to the street on which it is to be installed. With regards to existing street furniture, there is a pole approximately 3m high and is situated 6.66m from the proposed EVCP. This pole accommodates a road sign which is approximately 3m from the ground level. Furthermore, there are 2no lamp posts approximately 20m away either side of the proposed EVCP.”

“Design Guidance Note 1 (Advertising and Signs) states that advertisements should relate to their surrounding in terms of size, scale and siting. In addition, they should be located to avoid visual clutter. Policy D8 of the London Plan (2021) seeks to ensure that street clutter, including street furniture that is poorly located, unsightly, in poor condition or without a clear function is removed, to ensure that pedestrian amenity is improved.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways officers raised no objection, while consultation produced twelve objections and one comment supporting the proposal.

“Consultation letters were sent to 64 neighbouring properties. 12 objections and 1 comment of support was received, with the comments summarised as:”

“Highways and Transportation - No objection.”

Officer report

What people said

Objections concerned visual clutter, local character, lighting, obstruction, safety, parking, the location and whether another charger was needed; support cited charging access and local benefits.

“Objection: - Too much street "furniture" cluttering up the High Road - Signs are huge, ugly and unnecessary. Views of the trees and the street scene are being blocked. - Does not relate to the historic local character and context of the street scene and townscape: the buildings in this area date from the 1890s, - Contributes to street clutter and an unsightly proliferation of signs, - Significantly detracts from the amenity of the street and is a large visual obstruction of…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent addressed the committee in support of the application.

Committee discussion

The committee questioned the speakers and officers before discussing the officer recommendation.

“The Committee then had the opportunity to ask questions of the speakers and officers.”

“Following discussion, the Committee moved to a vote on Officer’s recommendations.”

Minutes

The vote

Four members voted for approval, one voted against approval and none abstained.

“For – (approval) 4 Against – (approval) 1 Abstention – (approval) 0”

Minutes

The decision

The application was approved subject to conditions, with delegated authority for minor changes after consultation with the chair or vice-chair.

“RESOLVED that the application be approved subject to 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…”

Minutes

Conditions

The conditions covered the approved plans, the start period, materials and compliance with smart-charging regulations.

“The development hereby approved shall be installed with the materials as set out within the approved application drawings and documents.”

“The EV charging unit shall be in compliance with 'The Electric Vehicles (Smart Charging Points) Regulations 2021' for the lifetime of the unit.”

Officer report