Barnet faces new planning rules forcing homes near Tube stations
Councils must now approve developments within a ten-minute walk of transport hubs unless strong reasons exist to refuse
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Barnet Council will be legally required to approve housing developments near Tube and rail stations under new planning rules announced by Housing Secretary Angela Rayner. The policy, confirmed as part of the updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), mandates a 'default yes' approach to schemes within a ten-minute walk of well-connected transport hubs.
The change follows a decision last December when Barnet Council rejected plans for 283 flats on the car park of High Barnet Underground Station. Councillors cited concerns over excessive height and harm to local character. The Mayor of London later overruled the decision, approving the scheme after a formal call-in.
Barnet faces higher housing targets, Green Belt development
Draft London Plan proposes significant increase in homes and building on protected land.
Green belt development permitted with conditions
The new rules also make it easier to build on green belt land, though developers must meet strict conditions. Schemes must include higher ratios of affordable housing, new or improved green spaces, and appropriate infrastructure. The policy aligns with the Mayor of London’s draft London Plan, which proposed more homes on outer London green spaces.
Hillingdon Council leader Steve Tuckwell criticised plans to build over 14,000 homes on greenfield land in his borough, calling them 'wholly disproportionate'. Enfield Council has also withdrawn support for a controversial 'new town' project that could have delivered up to 21,000 homes on green belt land.
Burnt Oak brook reshaping to improve flood defences
Works begin this month at Lyndhurst Park and The Meads Open Space as part of a £6 million project.
Pubs gain stronger protection
Pubs will receive greater protection from conversion to housing or offices under the updated rules. Developers must now prove a pub cannot be viably run as a business, including evidence it was marketed for at least a year. Between 2004 and 2024, London lost an estimated 930 pubs, with the majority closing after the 2007 smoking ban.
Angela Rayner said the changes would help address housing shortages while supporting local businesses. 'By unlocking thousands of homes around well-connected transport hubs, we’re helping people live closer to work, school and the services they rely on,' she said. The new NPPF guidance takes effect immediately.
What happens next
Barnet Council must now assess future housing applications near transport hubs under the 'default yes' policy. Residents can still object to schemes, but refusals will require stronger justification. The Mayor of London retains the power to call in decisions, as seen with the High Barnet flats.
Questions this report answers
+What does the new planning rule mean for High Barnet?
Barnet Council must now approve housing developments within a ten-minute walk of High Barnet Underground Station unless strong reasons exist to refuse. A previous scheme for 283 flats on the station car park was rejected by the council but later approved by the Mayor of London.
+Can homes still be built on green belt land in Barnet?
Yes, but developers must include higher ratios of affordable housing, new green spaces and infrastructure. The policy follows the Mayor of London’s draft plan to allow more homes on outer London green belt sites.
+How will pubs be protected under the new rules?
Developers must prove a pub cannot be viably run before converting it to housing or offices. This includes marketing the pub for at least a year. London lost an estimated 930 pubs between 2004 and 2024, with most closures after the 2007 smoking ban.
+What happens if Barnet Council rejects a housing scheme near a Tube station?
The Mayor of London can call in the decision, as happened with the 283 flats at High Barnet Underground Station. The new rules make it harder for councils to refuse schemes without strong justification.
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