Planning Permission Barnet

The London Borough of Barnet is one of the largest and most diverse boroughs in Greater London, covering areas such as Finchley, Hendon, Golders Green, Mill Hill, Edgware, Whetstone, Friern Barnet and High Barnet. With a broad mix of suburban housing, conservation areas, green belt land and town centres, securing planning permission in Barnet requires a clear understanding of local planning policy, design constraints and borough-specific requirements.

At SMARTePLANS, we specialise in preparing, managing and submitting planning applications to Barnet Council, ensuring compliance with local policy while maximising development potential.

Barnet Planning Permission: Key Considerations

Barnet Council assesses planning applications against:

• The Barnet Local Plan
• London Plan policies
• National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
• Conservation area guidance (where applicable)
• Green Belt restrictions
• Residential design standards and amenity impact

Barnet is known for its relatively strict approach to residential extensions and new developments, particularly in conservation areas such as Hampstead Garden Suburb, Monken Hadley and parts of Finchley. Applications are closely reviewed for:

• Overdevelopment and bulk
• Impact on neighbouring amenity (loss of light, privacy, outlook)
• Design quality and character
• Parking provision and highways safety
• Green Belt protection (in outer Barnet areas)

Professional drawings and a well-structured submission significantly increase approval prospects.

Types of Planning Applications in Barnet

We regularly assist homeowners, developers and landlords with:

Householder Planning Applications

• Single-storey rear extensions
• Wraparound extensions
• Side extensions
• Double-storey extensions
• Roof extensions and loft conversions
• Dormers and roof alterations

Permitted Development Applications

• Lawful Development Certificates (LDC)
• Rear extensions within PD limits
• Loft conversions under permitted development

Flat Conversions & HMOs

• Conversion of single dwellings into flats
• Change of use to HMO
• Compliance with space standards and amenity requirements

New Build Developments

• Infill developments
• Replacement dwellings
• Small residential schemes

Commercial Applications

• Change of use
• Shopfront alterations
• Office-to-residential conversions (where applicable)

Each application type requires tailored documentation, design strategy and policy alignment.

Conservation Areas & Design Sensitivity in Barnet

Barnet contains numerous conservation areas where additional restrictions apply. Developments in these zones must preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the area. In many cases:

• Permitted development rights may be restricted
• Materials and detailing must be carefully specified
• Roof extensions may be limited or refused if visible from public highways

Hampstead Garden Suburb in particular operates under a strict design code, and proposals often require careful architectural treatment and supporting statements.

Our team prepares detailed architectural drawings and, where required, design and access statements to justify proposals in sensitive locations.

Green Belt Restrictions in Barnet

Parts of Barnet fall within the Metropolitan Green Belt. Development in these areas is tightly controlled and generally restricted to:

• Limited extensions that do not result in disproportionate additions
• Replacement dwellings within acceptable volume increases
• Specific exceptions under Green Belt policy

Applications in Green Belt locations must be supported by a robust planning justification. Volume calculations and impact assessments are critical to securing approval.

Barnet Planning Process

The typical planning process in Barnet includes:

1. Measured Survey (if required)
2. Preparation of Architectural Drawings
3. Planning Policy Review
4. Submission via Planning Portal
5. Validation by Barnet Council
6. Public Consultation (neighbours notified)
7. Case Officer Assessment
8. Decision (typically 8 weeks for householder applications)

Barnet Council is known for detailed scrutiny, and planning officers often request amendments. Professional representation ensures smooth communication and strategic responses to officer feedback.

Common Reasons for Refusal in Barnet

Planning refusals in Barnet often relate to:

• Excessive depth or height of extensions

• Overshadowing or loss of daylight

• Overbearing impact on neighbouring properties

• Poor design or materials

• Overdevelopment of small plots

• Insufficient parking provision

At SMARTePLANS, we design schemes that proactively address these concerns before submission, reducing risk and avoiding costly appeals.

Why Use SMARTePLANS for Barnet Planning Applications?

• Extensive experience with Barnet Council planning policies

• Detailed architectural drawings compliant with validation requirements

• Strategic planning advice before submission

• Clear communication throughout the process

• Amendments and officer liaison included

We focus on approval strategy from the outset, not just producing drawings. Our goal is to balance design ambition with realistic planning outcomes.

Planning Application Costs in Barnet

Planning fees are set nationally, but overall project costs vary depending on:

• Project scale and complexity

• Conservation or Green Belt constraints

• Supporting documents required (e.g., design statements)

• Structural or building regulation drawings

We provide transparent fixed-fee quotations for planning drawing packages.

Start Your Barnet Planning Application

If you are planning an extension, loft conversion, new build or property conversion in Barnet, early professional advice can significantly improve your chances of success.

Contact SMARTePLANS today for a free consultation and planning assessment. We will review your proposal, advise on planning viability and manage the entire application process on your behalf.