Barnet Council is closely monitoring a developer's appeal against an order to remove unauthorised construction work near the Welsh Harp Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The issue was a key discussion point at the Welsh Harp Joint Consultative Committee meeting on Monday, 24 November 2025.
The case involves a property on Woolmead Avenue where unapproved development has impacted the SSSI. The London Borough of Barnet Planning Enforcement team, in collaboration with Natural England, initially issued an enforcement notice in May 2023, mandating the demolition and removal of materials.
To date, the enforcement team has refused a retrospective application for construction work (23/2569/RCU) and issued a further notice in November 2023, outlining a requirement to demolish and remove materials from the property (ENF/0522/23). An appeal was issued in 29 January 2025, and the Council's decision was upheld (24/00031/ENF). An independent inspector has provided up to 29th July 2025 to comply with the terms of the enforcement notice or obtain relevant consents.
Despite the initial unsuccessful appeal (24/00031/ENF), with a compliance deadline of 29 July 2025 set by an independent inspector, a new retrospective planning application was submitted on 17 October 2025 for the erection of a single storey rear outbuilding at 38 Woolmead Avenue. This application is currently pending consideration.
The council has pledged to continue monitoring the situation, according to the Welsh Harp Management Plan Update - Barnet report presented to the committee.
Barnet Council continues to work in partnership with Brent Council, the Canal and River Trust, The GLA, The London Wildlife Trust and Thames 21 in delivering the overarching Vision for the Welsh Harp, Welsh Harp Management Plan and Brent Catchment Partnership & Action Plan.
