Illuminated charging screen at Outside 828 - 830 High Road, Finchley, London N12

What was proposed

The application proposed one double-sided internally illuminated LCD screen with an integral electric vehicle charging point.

“Proposal: Installation of 1no. double-sided internally illuminated LCD screen with integral electrical vehicle charging point…”

Officer report

The site

The site is outside 828–830 High Road, beside on-street parking, and is not listed or within a conservation area.

“The application site is located outside of 828 - 830 High Road, N12 9RA. The site is not outside of residential property 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Two related 2023 applications were withdrawn, while a related 2025 application remained pending consideration.

“Reference: 23/4689/FUL Address: O/s 828 - 830 High Road, N12 9RA Decision: Withdrawn Decision Date: May 2024 Description: Installation of 1no.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

“Reference: 25/2261/FUL Address: Outside 828 - 830 High Road, N12 9RA Decision: Pending Consideration Decision Date: No Decision Made. Description: Installation of 1no. electrical vehicle charging point unit with double-sided LCD screen, feeder pillar and associated electrical connection works…”

Officer report

Safety and appearance

The unit would leave the footway unobstructed, avoid undue distraction and visual clutter, and fit the character of the street.

“The site can be found located outside of 828 - 830 High Road, N12 9RA. The charging unit is 1160mm wide and will be placed 430mm from the kerb edge within the parking bay. This results in no obstruction to the existing footway width. The existing footway has a total width of 4000mm. This leaves 4000mm of clear footway width between the JOLT unit and the footway.”

“The primary function of the unit is electric vehicle charging, with a secondary function of digital out-of-home advertising. The integral double-sided LCD screen will display paid-for adverts by third party companies, compliant with national and local advertising standards and requirements. The dual functionality of the unit reduces street clutter by combining the electrical vehicle charging point and a double-sided display screen into a single unit.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The highways officer raised no objection, and one public comment supported the charging point and its potential local benefits.

“Public Consultation Although public consultation is not required for this application, 1no comment was received in support of this application. The comment in support can be summarised as:”

“Fully support the installation of a JOLT Charging point outside 828 - 830 High Road London N12 9RA: - completion of the JOLT contract with Barnet will provide residents with a cost competitive EV charging solution and encourage the switch from fossil fuel engines, benefitting local air quality and help achieve the Borough's Net Zero 2042 goal - the chargers are a stylish example of Australian modern design, and have enhanced the high streets locations in the 52 installations…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent addressed the committee in support of the application.

Committee discussion

Members 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

Members voted four for approval, one against approval and none abstaining.

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

Minutes

The decision

The committee approved the application subject to conditions and 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 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 that…”

Minutes