Barnet Council facing judicial review challenge over supplementary planning document for Hendon

A local resident is bringing a judicial review challenge over the lawfulness of a supplementary planning document approved by the Policy & Resources Committee at Barnet Council.

Hendon resident Richard Lecoat is seeking to challenge the lawfulness of The Burroughs and Middlesex University Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).

The SPD, which was approved by the committee in July this year, lays the foundation for various Hendon Hub development projects.

These include the transfer of the Hendon Public Library building to Middlesex University and the construction of new seven-storey student accommodation buildings on the Burroughs.

“Through this planning framework, the council establishes a vision and a long-term sustainable ambition for The Burroughs to become a respected, thriving, high quality and inclusive environment,” the document says.

Mr Lecoat has so far raised more than £10,000 towards a £20,000 target.

The Save Hendon site said the claimant is “one of hundreds of residents who believe that Barnet has jumped the gun and proceeded without following all the necessary planning consultation steps, including scrutiny by central government over these radical, transformative plans for our historic town centre”.

A Barnet Council spokesperson said: “The matter is currently being considered by the council’s lawyers and it is anticipated the council will file a response in accordance with the procedure rules.”