Development control
The development control service is responsible for the determination and monitoring of planning applications, and other associated applications (listed building consent, advertisement consent etc) submitted to the council under the Planning Acts.
Most building work, engineering work and use of land requires planning permission, and the purpose of development control is to ensure that the development is carried out in accordance with local and national planning guidance. Many of the issues relating to planning are contained on The Communities and Local Government website. The website also has Planning Policy Guidance Notes which may help you when making planning applications.
Also for general information about planning, please visit the Planning Portal website. You can also visit our Planning FAQs pages.
The Planning Application page will help you on the following:
- When do you need to apply for permission?
- Barnet design guidance
- Conservation area character appraisals
- Pre-application advice
- Submitting an application.
To view, track and comment on current applications and for information on planning appeals and applications since 1965, go to our online Planning Applications.
If you are affected by an application for planning permission, please read A Guide on How to Comment on Planning Applications
(PDF 38KB)
Most applications are decided by officers under powers delegated to them. Larger and more contentious proposals are usually decided by elected members at one of the planning committees. You can view details of these planning committee meetings, including agendas and minutes from our Local Democracy pages.
For information on decisions, please visit the Planning Decision Notices page.
Development control is also responsible for:
- Enforcement of planning controls - concerned about developments which do not have planning permission
- Appeals against planning decisions
- The administration and management of matters relating to trees covered by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and trees in conservation areas. This involves the survey and inspection of trees for inclusion in new TPOs and the consideration of proposals by owners to fell or prune protected trees.