Four flats in added storey at Gloucester House, Finchley, London N12

What was proposed

The application sought an added second-floor storey containing four self-contained flats with associated amenity space.

“Proposal: Additional storey at second floor level to provide 4no. self-contained flats with associated amenity space…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site contains a two-storey building with a nursery or school at ground floor and a medical clinic above, surrounded mainly by residential development.

“The site is located on the southern side of Woodside Lane, within the Woodhouse ward. It contains a two-storey building known as Gloucester House, comprising a nursery/school use at ground floor and a medical clinic use at first floor.”

“There is off-street car parking to the rear of the building accessed via an access road running between the subject building and the neighbouring Stephens Lodge to the east. The surrounding area is predominantly residential in character and is typified by a mix of single family dwellinghouses with an interspersing of purpose-built blocks of flats of three and 4-storeys in height.”

Officer report

Earlier planning decisions

Earlier applications included approvals for changes of use and signage, while similar additional-storey proposals were refused in 2019 and 2025.

“Reference: 19/0886/FUL Address: Gloucester House, 150 Woodside Lane, London, N12 8TP Decision: Refused Decision Date: 23 April 2019 Description: Construction of an additional storey with pitched roof to provide two new floors of B1 office accommodation at second and third floor levels Reasons for refusal:”

“Reference: 24/5568/FUL Address: Gloucester House, 150 Woodside Lane, London, N12 8TP Decision: Refused Decision Date: 15 April 2025 Description: Additional storey at second floor level to provide 4no. self-contained flats with associated amenity space. Reasons for refusal:”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval, finding acceptable effects on the surrounding character, neighbours, future occupiers and highways, subject to conditions.

“Stacking The SDDG advises that the vertical stacking of rooms between flats should as far as practical, ensure that bedrooms do not overlap living rooms, kitchens and bathrooms on other floors. The flats will be set above non-residential use by way of a medical clinic.”

“The proposed development is found to have acceptable impact on the character and context of the surrounding area, neighbouring amenities, future occupiers and the Highway. The proposed development is therefore recommended for APPROVAL, subject to conditions.”

Officer report

What consultees and residents said

Eighteen objections raised concerns about parking, privacy, daylight, overdevelopment, waste, infrastructure, trees and environmental effects, while consultees accepted the proposal subject to conditions.

“Traffic and Parking Impact including addition of further pressure to roads that are already heavily congested. The proposed parking arrangements rely on existing spaces rather than providing genuinely new provision, creating additional safety and access concerns for residents, visitors, and pedestrians. 2.”

“The lack of dedicated waste and recycling storage raises concerns about increased litter, rodents, and fox activity, while the potential impact on mature trees and overall residential quality has not been adequately addressed.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A speaker objected, and a representative of the applicant spoke in support; members then questioned the speakers and officers.

The committee vote

The Chair put the officer recommendation to a vote, which passed with seven votes for, none against and no abstentions.

“The Chair moved to vote on the Officer’s recommendation to approve the application.”

Minutes

What the committee decided

The committee approved the application subject to conditions and completion of a legal agreement, with delegated authority for minor changes.

“RESOLVED the application be APPROVED subject to conditions and the completion of a legal agreement 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…”

Minutes