Barnet Council Challenges Mayor on Green Belt Plans
The council asserts the Mayor of London lacks authority to alter the borough's protected Green Belt land.
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Barnet Council has issued a warning to the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, stating he does not possess the authority to make direct alterations to the borough's Green Belt. This response comes after the new draft London Plan, which outlines strategic planning objectives for the capital, identified several locations within Barnet for potential redevelopment.
Green Belt Redevelopment Criteria
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The draft proposals suggest that development on Green Belt land could be permissible if it satisfies specific 'sustainable location tests'. These tests include adherence to the approved London Plan's criteria or designation as a government-approved 'new town' site. The plan also allows for 'residential-led' schemes if a significant majority of new homes are situated within 400 metres of an eligible bus route or a 1.2-kilometre (15-minute walk) radius of designated railway stations.
Barnet's Identified Transport Hubs
Barnet has been identified as having up to seven train stations considered 'well-connected' and located near areas designated as 'broad locations for growth' that encompass Green Belt land. These stations include Finchley Central, High Barnet, Mill Hill East, Totteridge and Whetstone, West Finchley, and Woodside Park on the Northern Line, along with the national rail station at Mill Hill Broadway. Additionally, land near the A1 at Borehamwood East is noted as a potential 'future industrial-led Green Belt candidate'.
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A spokesperson for Barnet Council stated that while the draft plan proposes strategic Green Belt release for housing and industrial needs, identifying broad locations in Barnet, the council maintains the mayor lacks the remit for direct boundary changes. The council indicated it would thoroughly review the draft proposals before submitting its formal response to the consultation. They also confirmed that no direct discussions had occurred with the mayor's office regarding the draft plan's content, though council officers have since sought to engage for a clearer understanding.
Local Plan Context
Borough councils are required to produce a local plan approximately every 15 years, detailing development targets and strategies for meeting them, along with regulations for development projects. Barnet Council adopted its Barnet Local Plan in March 2025. The Mayor's London Plan sets the overarching policies that local plans must adhere to, aiming for a cohesive and sustainable development strategy across the capital.
Residents can participate in the consultation for the new draft London Plan by visiting london.gov.uk/programmes-strategies/planning/london-plan/next-london-plan.
Questions this report answers
+What does Barnet Council say about the Mayor’s power over Green Belt land?
Barnet Council states the Mayor of London lacks the authority to directly alter the borough’s Green Belt boundaries. This position is taken despite the draft London Plan identifying potential redevelopment sites near transport links in Barnet.
+When can Green Belt land in Barnet be developed under the draft plan?
Green Belt land in Barnet may be developed if it meets ‘sustainable location tests’, such as being within 400 metres of a bus route or a 1.2-kilometre walk of a railway station. The draft plan also considers ‘residential-led’ schemes meeting these criteria.
+Which transport hubs in Barnet are highlighted for potential Green Belt redevelopment?
The draft London Plan identifies up to seven train stations in Barnet as ‘well-connected’ transport hubs near Green Belt areas, including Finchley Central, High Barnet, and Mill Hill Broadway. These locations are considered for future growth.
+How can residents have their say on the draft London Plan?
Residents can participate in the consultation for the draft London Plan by visiting london.gov.uk/programmes-strategies/planning/london-plan/next-london-plan. The consultation allows the public to review and respond to the proposed changes.
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