Barnet Council has told Sir Sadiq Khan that he “does not have the remit” to make direct changes to the borough’s Green Belt. The warning follows the publication of the mayor’s draft London Plan, which identifies several areas in the capital for potential redevelopment.
Draft Plan Identifies Development Sites
Published this month, the draft proposals could see new areas of Metropolitan Green Belt land released for development if approved. This is particularly significant for Barnet, where numerous Green Belt locations have been identified for potential use. The plan states that developments on Green Belt land could be acceptable if they meet “sustainable location tests”, such as meeting the London Plan’s criteria or being a government-designated new town site, as in neighbouring Enfield.
The proposals also allow for Green Belt sections to be developed for residential schemes if “the vast majority” of new homes are within 400 metres of an eligible bus route or 1.2 km (a 15-minute walk) from a select list of railway stations.
Seven Stations Identified in Barnet
Barnet has up to seven “well-connected train stations” near “broad locations for growth” that contain Green Belt land. These include the Northern Line tube stations of Finchley Central, High Barnet, Mill Hill East, Totteridge and Whetstone, West Finchley, and Woodside Park, as well as Mill Hill Broadway national rail station. Land near the A1 at Borehamwood East is also listed as a “future industrial-led Green Belt candidate”.
Council Responds to Proposals
A Barnet Council spokesperson said: “The mayor’s published draft new London Plan has put forward a case for strategic Green Belt release land to meet both housing and industrial need. It has identified broad locations in Barnet, however, the council is very clear that the mayor does not have the remit to make any direct Green Belt boundary changes.”
The spokesperson added: “We will now carefully assess the detail of the draft proposals before submitting a formal response to the consultation and we will continue to work with residents, communities and partners to ensure any future growth delivers the homes, opportunities and neighbourhoods that people need and want to see.”
The council confirmed it has had no direct discussions with the mayor’s office or the London Plan team on the proposals, but officers have since reached out for a fuller understanding.
Planning Context
Every 15 years or so, each London borough must create a local plan outlining development targets and rules. Barnet adopted its local plan in May 2025. The mayor’s London Plan sets the policies that each council must follow, ensuring the capital’s planning system is joined up and reflects the overall strategy for sustainable development, according to City Hall.
