Barnet Council's Planning Committee has unanimously approved internal alterations to Lutyens House, a Grade II* listed building at 8 North Square, NW11 7AA. The decision, made on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, will see the conversion of the existing garage and utility room into a habitable kitchen-dining room.
The committee approved two applications: one for Listed Building Consent (LBC) and another for Householder Planning Enforcement (HSE). The works involve raising the roof of the current garage, but this will be concealed by the existing parapet, ensuring no visible changes from the public highway. The plans also include internal alterations to rationalise the space, which entails changes to floor layouts, bathrooms, removal of a stud wall in bedroom 3 to reinstate its original proportions, reinstatement of period fireplaces, creation of a double doorway at ground floor level to replace the existing one, and relocation of the ground floor WC.
Lutyens House, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and completed between 1907-1910, holds significant historical importance. Influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement, the house is built in load-bearing brickwork and is noted as the only urban terrace Lutyens ever designed. Its listing reflects its architectural merit and its contribution to the Hampstead Garden Suburb.
During the meeting, objectors raised concerns about the impact on the heritage asset, even if the changes are not visible. Specific concerns included Overly large windows in proportion to existing walls,
Loss of integrity to the Grade II* building,
and Increase in the height of the garage roof.
One objector argued that Lutyens considered the invisible backs of buildings as importantly as the front
and that the proposed changes could set an appalling precedent
for future alterations.
However, the committee noted that the works were to a later addition to the main house. The existing garage and utility room were added approximately 25 to 30 years after the main house was built, in the 1930s. The architect of this addition, Sutcliffe, reportedly closely followed the intent of Lutyens in terms of materials and appearance.
The Conservation Officer and other consultees raised no objections to the proposed works.
Councillor Richard Barnes, Chair of the Planning Committee, announced the unanimous approval of both applications. The meeting information does not provide a specific timeframe for the commencement and completion of these internal alterations, although Condition 2 of the Listed Building Consent states that This work must be begun not later than three years from the date of this consent.
Further details of the internal works can be found in the Public reports pack for the Planning Committee meeting on 09th September 2026: Public reports pack 09th-Sep-2026 19.00 Planning Committee.pdf