The Threat
to Chipping Barnet Woodland
The joint development
In June 2024 Barnet council signed a 'joint development' agreement with Christchurch grove ltd; acting on behalf of Barnet recreation Trust.
Council land not to be sold on open market
Without public consultation a private deal was struck that agreed the sale of the land. Is this right?
The developer need complete the deal only if planning permission is granted.
A Protective covenant exists
The land proposed for development is owned by two parties: Barnet Council (1), and Barnet recreation trust (2). A covenant exists on the two related plots. This same covenant exists on a neighbouring plot owned privately (3).
The protective covenant states:
"That no buildings of any description other than garages or stabling should be erected on the said land except with the consent of the owners for the time being of Plots numbered 1, 2 and 3 on the said plan ".
In 2002 Barnet council did not proceed with sale.
We have evidence that Barnet council refused an application to sell the land for development in 2002 and because of the existence of the protective covenant.
Lack of scrutiny
Barnet council seems to have forgotten about their manifesto pledges to protect existing green spaces. There seems no joining up of policies related to house building targets and promises to protect Biodiversity