Barnet faces higher housing targets, Green Belt development

Barnet Council is preparing to respond to a draft London Plan that proposes a substantial increase in housing targets for the borough, including development on Green Belt land. The plan, which will guide development from 2028 to 2038, sets Barnet with the highest housing quota in the capital, requiring 32,730 new homes. This represents a 38% rise compared to the previous plan's target for 2021-2031.

Green Belt Designation and Housing Quotas

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A significant aspect of the draft plan is the requirement for 7,000 homes to be constructed on Barnet's Green Belt. Furthermore, the plan designates Mill Hill and Chipping Barnet as 'Green Belt Broad Locations for Growth', indicating these areas could be subject to development. This designation is a departure from the borough's long-standing commitment to preserving its suburban character and green spaces.

The draft plan also introduces changes to building definitions, raising the minimum height for a 'tall building' from six to ten storeys. It promotes 'site optimisation', which could lead to a greater emphasis on building flats rather than houses, and replaces the Public Transport Accessibility Levels (PTAL) with a new Sustainable Access Measure (SAM). Critics argue these changes could lead to increased densification and urbanisation, potentially altering Barnet's character.

Comparison with Other Boroughs and Consultation

Barnet's Conservative Councillors have expressed concern that the borough is being disproportionately burdened with housing targets, particularly when compared to other London boroughs that have historically underperformed in meeting their quotas. For instance, boroughs like Lewisham and Greenwich have seen their targets reduced or kept static in the new plan, despite lower delivery rates. Barnet, having met its previous targets through projects like Brent Cross and Colindale, now faces a higher demand.

The draft London Plan is currently open for public consultation, with the deadline set for mid-October. Barnet Council is forming a working group, including planning officers, to develop a formal response. Residents and local associations are encouraged to submit their views directly to the Mayor of London via email.

Councillors have requested an extension to the consultation period to allow for a thorough review, noting that it overlaps with the Summer and Jewish High Holy Days. The aim is to ensure Barnet's concerns are communicated effectively to the Mayor, advocating for suburban areas to be treated as partners rather than solely as sites for development.

Next Steps

Following the close of the consultation in mid-October, the Mayor of London will consider all feedback before finalising the London Plan. Barnet Council will continue to engage with the London Assembly and present its case regarding the borough's housing targets and Green Belt designations.