North Finchley Town Centre Framework Draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)

Overview

The council is consulting on its North Finchley Town Centre Framework Draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).

The framework has been developed in collaboration with the local community. In particular, we asked residents, businesses and users of the town centre their views with regards any issues and opportunities for North Finchley town centre through a series of workshops. The initial engagement comprised stakeholder surgeries, a stakeholder workshop which focused on the desired vision for North Finchley town centre, and a follow up stakeholder workshop to review the emerging ideas. The key issues and opportunities identified in the initial stages of consultation in addition to the Evidence Base work, have shaped the vision for North Finchley town centre and the resultant development principles. Details of how this engagement process has informed the Draft SPD is provided in the Consultation Statement.

The Town Centre Framework aims to:

• achieve sustainable social, environmental and economic development that will benefit North Finchley town centre and the surrounding area;
• provide a framework for developing a mixture of land uses, including residential, retail, leisure, employment and community facilities in the town centre and wider area;
• provide a framework for making decisions on future proposals in a manner that supports appropriate development, the overall improvement of the area and a vibrant town centre;
• undertake high level viability appraisals at various stages during the production of the SPD;
• create a plan that maximises existing and future movement opportunities including links to nearby stations (Woodside Park and West Finchley), the bus network and pedestrian and cycle connections;
• achieve well designed, high quality streets, spaces, public realm and buildings, which deliver an appropriate degree of local distinctiveness;
• develop a public realm strategy which considers opportunities for improvement, and any long-term management issues;
• promote a safer and more secure environment in which all sections of the community can have a sense of ownership and pride; and
• seek to achieve the highest possible standards in sustainable design from any new development; and involve key stakeholders (including ward councillors, landowners, traders, local businesses, North Finchley Town Team and other community representatives) within the area in the preparation of the SPD.

The draft SPD is supported by the following documents:

• Sustainability Appraisal

• Equalities Impact Assessment

• Statement of Consultation

• Baseline Report

Why we are consulting?

Once adopted, new developments within the boundary of the SPD will required to be in accordance with the vision, strategy and development principles contained within the guidance in this document. Therefore we are consulting on the draft SPD and want to hear the views of local residents, visitors, businesses and stakeholders. It is important that residents and other interested parties have their say in the planning policy.

You can find out more about the plans at our drop-in exhibition sessions enabling local residents and other interested parties to provide their views and ask questions. Planning officers will also be on hand alongside the consultants to discuss the plans and answer any questions you may have.

Drop-in exhibition details:

If you are unable to attend any of these events the exhibition boards which provide a summary of the Draft SPD can be downloaded here.

Give us your views

Please come along to one of our drop-in sessions or read the Draft SPD and then give us your views. You can do this in various ways:

• complete our online questionnaire;
• complete a paper questionnaire. Printed copies of the questionnaire will be available at the drop in sessions at North Finchley Library. Alternatively, you can request a paper copy of the questionnaire, by emailing forward.planning@barnet.gov.uk or calling 020 8359 4990. Please ensure you provide your name and address;
• you can also make representations on the Draft North Finchley Town Centre SPD by using the following methods:
  • by email to: forward.planning@barnet.gov.uk;
  • by post to: North Finchley SPD Consultation c/o Planning Policy Team, Strategic Planning and Regeneration, 2nd Floor, Barnet House, 1255 High Road, Whetstone N20 0EJ;
  • by viewing documents in person at North Finchley Library, Ravensdale Avenue, N12 9HP (Please check the opening timings prior to visiting the library at https://www.barnet.gov.uk/citizen-home/libraries/library-opening-times.html or call 0208 359 3853/3803 ) or visit the Planning Reception, Barnet House, 1255 High Road, Whetstone, N20 0EJ.

The closing date for us to receive questionnaires and comments is Monday 4th December 2017. These will then be reported to the Council’s Policy and Resources Committee in February 2018 so that they can be taken into account when the final version of the SPD is being considered for adoption.