Barnet Council is expanding its network of electric vehicle (EV) charging points, which already includes 52 installations, with integrated LCD advertising screens, following a Planning Committee (New) meeting held on 21 July 2025.
The committee approved applications for the installation of EV charging points with double-sided LCD screens at two locations: outside 828-830 High Road in East Finchley and outside 862-868 High Road in Woodhouse. These projects aim to increase the availability of fast charging for electric vehicles in the borough.
The planning officer's assessment for the East Finchley location (25/2261/FUL and 25/2262/ADV) highlighted the need for additional fast electrical vehicle charging points in the area, the high attraction rate of the site and the suitability of the location for an electrical vehicle charge point.
The assessment also noted that the primary function of the unit is electric vehicle charging, with a secondary function of digital out-of-home advertising, which pays for the daily free charge.
The integral double-sided LCD screens will display paid-for adverts by third party companies, compliant with national and local advertising standards and requirements, as detailed in the report for application 25/2261/FUL.
However, the proposals were not without scrutiny. During the meeting, concerns were raised about the impact of these installations on the local environment and streetscape. One resident, Michael Levitsky, questioned the necessity of combining advertising screens with EV chargers, arguing that the advertising aspect was prioritised over the charging function. He stated, This is advertising, not EV charging. That's why I oppose it.
Levitsky also raised concerns about the energy consumption of the LCD screens, suggesting they could negate the environmental benefits of EV charging. What I object to is electrical vehicle charges attached to screens, which use as much electricity in a year as four homes. Is that how we combat climate change?
Despite these objections, the committee approved the applications for both locations. The officer clarified that the planning assessment focused on the appropriateness of the infrastructure and advertising in each location, with other regulatory frameworks governing pricing transparency and related issues.
Councillor Claire Farrier, chair of the Planning Committee, noted that councillors would be consulted on site selection in the future to better address local concerns. According to the meeting transcript, councillors will be consulted on site selection to better address local concerns. The agenda and public reports pack for the meeting are available online.
