Barnet Council has rejected a retrospective planning application for the commercial use of a swimming pool at 30 Allendale Avenue, following concerns from neighbours about noise and disruption.
The Planning Committee voted to refuse the application, citing harm to the residential character of the area and the amenity of neighbouring properties. The decision came after hearing from both supporters and objectors of the scheme at a meeting on Monday, 17 November 2025. The full minutes of the meeting, along with the reports pack and agenda, are available on the council's website.
Lucy Reuter, the applicant, explained that she was unaware that she needed planning permission when she started the swimming lessons. She also stated that about 50% of the children who attend have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), highlighting the social benefit of the pool for these children.
Gianna Frank spoke in support of the application, explaining how the small, quiet pool environment was essential for her autistic son's therapy, as he finds larger, busier pools overwhelming. She said:
Raphael has always loved coming to 30 Allendale. It's quiet, and it's a quiet environment because it's a small pool, and he often is in the pool by himself with the teacher, or he shares the pool with only another child having their lesson at the same time. Getting there is stress-free for us because there's plenty of parking on the road. We also have access to parking on the driveway. And if we encounter anyone else there when we're coming in, it's just one other parent normally. He can get in calmly. He's always alone in the changing room. And when the lesson is finished, he can change back and get into the car without stress or anxiety.
However, Julian Sutton, speaking on behalf of neighbours, raised concerns about noise, traffic, litter, and security issues caused by the commercial operation. He said the pool was:
Hugely disturbing to local amenity. And there can't be any hypothetical debate about this because this is a retrospective application. And my clients have to endure these impacts on a daily basis. And why should they in a residential area?
Mr. Sutton elaborated that the swimming pool is in use from early morning, evenings, and weekends, and its windows and doors are normally kept open during sessions. He also stated that the garden area effectively becomes an outside play area for children while their siblings have lessons. He noted the pool has been used for children's pool parties, and it's accessed via a side gate directly connected to the wall of number 28, which is left to slam shut constantly. He added that his clients regularly have their drives blocked by indiscriminate parking, they have litter, wet wipes, sweet wrappers in their garden, and they have serious concerns about the security aspects.
The planning officer recommended refusal, stating that it was a commercial swimming operation in a quiet residential area, which was not an appropriate use.
