Barnet Council's Planning Committee has approved plans for a mansard roof extension at Raymond Court, Pembroke Road, which will add four new self-contained flats to the existing building. The decision follows a history of previous applications and appeals concerning additional residential units at the site.

Previous applications were refused due to concerns about the proposed development's height, size, scale, design, bulk, and massing, which were considered an incongruous addition that would harm the character and appearance of the building, streetscene, and locality. Concerns were also raised about the quality of internal accommodation, with fears that the proposed units would provide a substandard and poor quality of living detrimental to future residents and existing neighbours. However, an appeal against one of these refusals was subsequently allowed. A later application for an additional storey was refused on grounds of overdevelopment, being out of character, and potential structural risks.

The approved scheme features a mansard roof extension that will alter the pitch of the existing building. The design has been revised from previous iterations to reduce its visual impact. Key visual impact concerns with earlier designs related to their height, size, scale, design, bulk, and massing, which were considered an incongruous addition. The revised design addresses these by setting the mansard roof in from the side elevations to reduce its visual impact, making it appear less dominant when viewed from surrounding streets and neighbouring properties. The dormers have also been appropriately proportioned and articulated for a balanced and visually attractive roof form. The committee noted that this revised design is considered an improvement on earlier schemes.

Concerns regarding noise transmission between the proposed flats and existing units below will be addressed through a condition requiring details of enhanced sound insulation measures to be submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority and implemented prior to first occupation of the development. The specific standards or types of insulation are not detailed in the provided text.

The proposal includes associated parking, amenity space, refuse, recycling, and cycle storage facilities. For the four new self-contained flats, the proposal includes 2no. off street car parking spaces . Highways officers have indicated they are content with this provision, stating it is in accordance with policy requirements. The existing building comprises 12 one-bedroom units, and with the addition of the four new flats, the total number of units in Raymond Court will be 16.

Further details on the planning committee's decisions can be found in the Public reports pack for the meeting held on 09 September 2026 Public reports pack 09th-Sep-2026 19.00 Planning Committee.pdf.