Sadiq Khan calls in Quod application for 730 homes
We are pleased to confirm that our client’s proposal for redevelopment of Pentavia Retail Park, Mill Hill, Barnet was called in by Sadiq Khan on the 5th November 2018. The Mayor will now act as the local planning authority for the purposes of determining Meadow Residential’s planning application.
The Mayor’s decision follows that of Barnet Council’s Planning Committee to refuse planning permission for the construction of 724 new Build to Rent residential units (Use Class C3) along with 949 sqm of ancillary residential facilities, 987 sqm of non-residential floorspace (Use Class A1, A3 and D1) within buildings ranging from 5 to 15 storeys, a new pedestrian access off Bunns Lane, open space, landscaping, car parking, acoustic mitigation and highway / pedestrian improvements. The Council had always raised concerns about tall buildings and the scale of development in this location, despite this being necessary due to the high existing use value of the site as a retail park.
As presently proposed, the development would deliver 724 Build to Rent residential units, including 35% affordable units at 30% London Living Rent; and 70% Discount Market Rent (DMR) to qualify for the Fast Track route.
Quod will be working with the Meadow and the Mayoral team to optimise the current application on the basis that the Mayor has agreed with Quod that Barnet is not currently meetings its minimum housing needs.
This is the 3rd planning application called-in by the Mayor on which Quod is advising. Hale Wharf (LB Haringey) and Newcombe House (RBKC) have already been approved.
https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/planning/planning-applications-and-decisions/public-hearings
This is the first Quod call-in following an officer recommendation to refuse and only the 2nd in London.
The Mayoral Hearing is due in Spring 2019.
If you would like to discuss this further please contact Ben Ford at Quod.
