Montreaux Developments and Assael Architecture have been given the go-ahead for 204 new homes on Colney Hatch Lane in Barnet
The new homes, which will consist of two buildings up to seven storeys high but hidden by woodland, includes 35% affordable housing, of which 70% will be shared ownership and 30% affordable rent.
The 204 homes in total represent 10% of Barnet borough’s annual target for housebuilding, and will be a mix of one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom properties.
The project will deliver over 1,800 sqm of commercial space and create 40 new jobs.
Other benefits include 102 car parking spaces for residents, electric vehicle charging points, renewable energy in the form of solar PV panels, and improvements to local public spaces and play areas.
Members of the planning committee questioned the visibility of the scheme from the neighbouring woodland, but with verified views showing it could not be seen, the application was approved through a split committee decision.
The chairman cast the deciding vote, comfortable that the scheme has been sensitively designed to ensure the works will not physically or visibly impact Coppetts Wood, which is designated as Metropolitan Open Land.
The design has undergone an extensive consultation process with Barnet Borough Council and was presented to key stakeholders prior to submission, including local residents, Coppetts Wood Conservationists, the London Wildlife Trust and local MP Theresa Villiers.
‘Sensitive to the local ecosystem’
Pete Ladhams, managing director at Assael Architecture, said: “We are delighted to have worked with Montreaux Developments and to have secured planning permission for this project. It offers significant benefits to the local area, and much-needed new homes.
“The detailed consultation process has meant that we have collectively designed a scheme that meets the borough’s requirements, whilst being sensitive to the local ecosystem.”
Matt Walton and Damian Stalley, directors at Montreaux, added: “We are delighted that Barnet councillors recognised the significant benefits of the scheme that is a product of the collaboration between Barnet council, the GLA and Montreaux.
“We are proud of this project and look forward to seeing it being completed.”
CBRE advised on the planning application.
