206 homes and food store at Autopia House, Friern Barnet, London N11

What was proposed

The application sought changes to an approved scheme, including building alterations, fire-safety measures, revised layouts and an increase from 204 to 206 homes.

“EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 Planning Permission is sought for amendments to the original permission, ref: 20/1610/FUL, in order to ensure the Consented Development can be built in compliance with current Building Regulations.”

“- Addition of smoke shafts to circulation cores and provision of continuous internal corridors; - Infill extensions to the fourth and fifth floor massing on Block B to re-accommodate the lost floorspace; - Revised internal layouts; and - Consequent external changes.”

Officer report

The site

The site contained two former commercial buildings and parking, near a coach facility, ambulance station, woodland and residential areas.

“The site is located at No. 231 on the western side of Colney Hatch Lane and comprises of two commercial buildings, formerly occupied by a car show room with a service garage and surface level car parking. Vehicular access is obtained via a mini roundabout on Colney Hatch Lane (B550), with trees located along the eastern boundary separating and screening the site from the road.”

“Immediately to the north is a coach facility, with Friern Barnet Ambulance Station immediately south and Coppetts Wood fronting the western boundary. Residential areas are located north and east of the site.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

An earlier permission for 204 homes and a food store was granted in 2021, with demolition implemented and a lawful development certificate issued in 2024.

“In October 2021, planning permission (ref: 20/1610/FUL) (known as the Consented Development) was granted for the following:”

“Since planning permission was granted, the original developer was unable to deliver the Consented Development. However, the Consented Development was implemented through the demolition of one of the buildings onsite prior to the application expiry date, and a Lawful Development Certificate was issued in December 2024.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The GLA, HSE, transport bodies and council advisers raised no objection to the amendments, subject to existing or updated conditions and obligations.

“In accordance with the relevant Regulations (Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) Order 2015 (as amended) (‘DMPO’), upon validation of the Application, the LPA conducted consultations with relevant statutory and non-statutory bodies, other relevant technical advisers, and consulted local residents on the application.”

“The minor increase in the number of homes proposed from 204 to 206 units would have minimal impact on transport matters. As such, the proposal as it stands would not result in an unacceptable to the TLRN, subject to the conditions previously requested by TfL being adhered to.”

Officer report

Objections from residents

Five public representations objected to the development’s appearance, effects on woodland and wildlife, pollution, traffic, crossings, infrastructure and construction activity.

“The total number of public representations received in response to the Application was 5 as set out below.”

“- Out of character with predominate low rise residential area - Overly dominant and visually intrusive proposed development - Impact on Coppetts Wood Nature Reserve - Loss of ecology habitats and wildlife disturbance - Increased air and noise pollution - Substantially increase traffic volume - Overburdened road is ill-equipped to handle this further pressure - Construction traffic disruption - Lack of safe active travel crossings and mitigation measures - Inadequate…”

Officer report

Who spoke

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

The committee vote

Members voted eight for approval, with no votes against and no abstentions.

“The Committee moved to a vote on Officer’s recommendations. The vote was as follows:”

“Against – 0 (approval) Abstention – 0 (approval)”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was granted subject to completing a legal agreement or deed of variation and complying with the stated conditions.

“That planning permission be granted subject to the completion of a S106 agreement or deed of variation and the above conditions.”

Minutes