Barnet Council previously ruled that the original plan “would not all meet the minimum national floor space standards”, reports Grace Howarth, Local Democracy Reporter

The offices at St Albans Lane (credit Google)

A developer has submitted a fresh bid to turn a Golders Green office space into 34 flats.

The site, St Albans House in St Albans Lane, was subject to an application in September for ‘prior approval’ to convert the space, which is home to several small businesses, for housing, but this was refused by Barnet Council.

Under permitted development rights introduced by the government in 2021 industrial or commercial space can be converted to a residential use without the need for planning permission. But this type of work does still need to be reviewed and approved by the local authority, to give prior approval.

In October, applicant St Albans Lane Ltd resubmitted its application for prior approval at the same location, claiming it had addressed the reasons for refusal.

In its previous decision notice the council wrote the flats “would not all meet the minimum national floor space standards”.

The notice added “it has not been adequately shown that the proposed units would provide adequate natural light” and “the proposal would not address the transport and highways impacts of the development”.

In the resubmitted planning statement from agent Savills, acting on behalf of the applicant, it states the proposals “are demonstrated to meet the minimum space standards” and “all habitable rooms are served by windows to increase internal daylight”.

In response to the “impacts” on highways, Savills said:“The proposals restrict future occupiers obtaining parking permits, to address this previous reason for refusal”.

The application has been divisive locally, with 34 comments online raising objections in response to the first application.

Nearly all were concerned over the plan’s removal of CrossFit Atara, a locally-owned gym, due to its being “the only gym” in Golders Green. The second application again proposes its removal, however.

There are two other facilities in the area, LowFlo, which does group fitness classes, and pilates studio Eternite Pilates. However, the popularity and range of facilities at CrossFit Atara has been heavily vocalised by residents.

Local resident Joel Bensoor wrote in August: “CrossFit Atara is the only gym in Golders Green and the only one within walking distance for many residents, including myself. Its removal would significantly reduce access to fitness facilities for the local community.”

Priya Singh, another local and “longstanding member” of the gym, wrote that the importance of the facility could not be “overstated”.

She said: “The gym cannot be relocated as it requires special equipment and very specific infrastructure requirements (for example, very high ceilings and specialist flooring), therefore it is vital to maintain this facility.

“We are in the middle of a national health crisis and shutting down businesses which promote health and fitness for the local community will only worsen the issue. The gym has been instrumental in helping to improve and maintain the health and wellbeing of its members.”

No comments have yet been made on the latest application. More information on the scheme can be found via Barnet Council’s planning portal, using reference number 24/4316/PNE.

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