Barnet Planning & Planning Applications

Planning Permission and Applications Across the London Borough of Barnet

The London Borough of Barnet covers a large and varied part of North London, ranging from busy town centres and suburban neighbourhoods to conservation areas, established residential streets and lower-density properties near the northern edge of London. Barnet planning applications can therefore involve a wide range of development types, local policies and design considerations.

​

The borough includes Chipping Barnet, East Barnet, New Barnet, High Barnet, Hendon, Finchley, North Finchley, East Finchley, Golders Green, Edgware, Mill Hill, Colindale, Burnt Oak, Whetstone, Totteridge, Friern Barnet, Cricklewood, Brent Cross and Hampstead Garden Suburb. The planning position may vary considerably between these areas because of differences in property type, street character, conservation controls and surrounding development.

​

In areas such as Finchley, Hendon, Mill Hill, Edgware and East Barnet, applications frequently involve house extensions, loft conversions, outbuildings, replacement homes and alterations to existing residential properties. Around Colindale, Brent Cross and other regeneration locations, proposals may include new housing, flats, mixed-use buildings and larger redevelopment projects.

​

Properties within conservation areas or close to listed buildings may be subject to tighter controls over demolition, extensions, windows, roof alterations, materials and changes to their external appearance. Locations such as Hampstead Garden Suburb, Totteridge and parts of Finchley contain particularly sensitive streets and buildings where design quality and local character can carry significant weight.

​

Before submitting an application, it is important to establish whether the work requires householder planning permission, full planning permission, prior approval or a Lawful Development Certificate. The required route will depend on the property, the proposed use, the scale of the work and whether permitted development rights remain available.

​

The Barnet planning applications register can be used to examine nearby approvals, refusals, drawings and planning decisions. Reviewing comparable applications can help identify local precedents, common objections and design issues that should be addressed before drawings and supporting documents are finalised. Barnet Council confirms that its online register covers active and historic planning applications, appeals and enforcement matters.

​

Applications must include the correct plans, information and fees before they can be validated. Depending on the proposal, this may include location and block plans, existing and proposed drawings, design information, heritage documents, transport information or other supporting reports.

​

For larger extensions, replacement homes, property conversions, HMOs, changes of use and development on sensitive sites, pre-application advice may help identify planning concerns before the formal application is submitted. Barnet Council offers an optional paid service for householders, businesses and developers.

​

Planning Application Services (PAS) can assist with planning advice, architectural drawings and the preparation and submission of applications for properties throughout Barnet.