Barnet faces 7,000 Green Belt homes under Mayor’s London Plan
Council objects to draft that sets 32,730-home target for the borough by 2037
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Barnet must deliver 32,730 new homes between 2028 and 2037 under the Mayor of London’s draft London Plan, published in July 2026. The proposal includes 7,000 homes on the borough’s Green Belt, a move Barnet Council has formally opposed.
The plan requires at least 50% of new homes on Green Belt land to be affordable. For smaller developments of 10 to 35 homes, the threshold is 35%. Developments of fewer than 10 homes are exempt from the requirement.
Barnet faces higher housing targets, Green Belt development
Draft London Plan proposes significant increase in homes and building on protected land.
Green Belt sites under pressure
The Mayor’s plan identifies ‘Grey Belt’ land, including derelict sites in Arkley, as preferred locations for development. However, it acknowledges that some greenfield areas will also be used. The plan sets conditions for residential development, requiring most new homes to be within 400 metres of a bus route or 1.2 km of one of seven rail or tube stations in Barnet.
This places much of Chipping Barnet within the proposed development zone, including areas from Arkley to Hadley and from New Barnet to Whetstone. The plan also highlights industrial-led Green Belt sites near the A1 at Borehamwood, including land northeast of Stirling Corner.
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Council and residents respond
Barnet Council adopted its Local Plan last year, which includes proposals for a new Regional Park on Green Belt land between Arkley, Scratchwood and Mill Hill. The draft London Plan does not mention this proposal, raising concerns that development could undermine its purpose.
“Barnet Council will carefully assess the detail of the draft London Plan before submitting its formal response to the consultation and we will continue to work with residents, communities and partners to ensure any future growth delivers the homes, opportunities and neighbourhoods that people need and want to see.”
Cllr Ross Houston, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Homes and Regeneration, Barnet Council
Cllr Houston confirmed the council’s objection to the Mayor’s proposals, which it says contradict its recently adopted Local Plan. The Barnet Society, a local campaign group, has also expressed concerns about the impact on the Green Belt and called for collaboration with the council.
How residents can respond
The public consultation on the draft London Plan closes at 5 pm on 15 October 2026. Residents can submit their views via an online survey, by emailing londonplan@london.gov.uk, or by writing to the Mayor of London at City Hall.
The plan also addresses the growing demand for data centres, which require significant electricity and water resources. However, it does not specify locations for these facilities in Barnet.
Questions this report answers
+How many new homes does the Mayor’s plan propose for Barnet?
The draft London Plan sets a target of 32,730 new homes for Barnet between 2028 and 2037. This includes 7,000 homes on Green Belt land, with at least 50% required to be affordable, as stated in the plan published in July 2026.
+Which areas in Barnet could be affected by Green Belt development?
The plan prioritises sites within 400 metres of bus routes or 1.2 km of seven rail and tube stations. This affects areas from Arkley to Hadley and from New Barnet to Whetstone, as well as industrial-led sites near the A1 at Borehamwood.
+How can residents respond to the draft London Plan?
Residents can submit their views until 5 pm on 15 October 2026 via an online survey, email to londonplan@london.gov.uk, or by post to the Mayor of London at City Hall. Barnet Council has formally objected to the proposals.
+What percentage of new homes must be affordable under the plan?
The draft plan requires at least 50% of new homes on Green Belt land to be affordable. For developments of 10 to 35 homes, the threshold is 35%. Smaller developments of fewer than 10 homes are exempt from this requirement.
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Barnet faces higher housing targets, Green Belt development