Barnet Council’s first quality review panel appoints chair

The quality assessment panel will test the fundamental design principles of the planning proposals, playing a major role in the council’s commitment to exemplary and high quality developments.

Comprising 28 experts from across the planning and design sectors, the independent Quality Assessment Committee will ensure that design issues can be discussed at the earliest stages of the planning process.

Its formation fulfills a key commitment of the board’s corporate plan.

Both experts leading the group are local residents of Barnet

Russell Curtis is a well-known local architect and founding director of London-based firm RCKa, which specializes in innovative residential, community and commercial projects.

Vice-chairman Selina Mason, another local resident, is director of masterplanning and strategic design at Lendlease, focusing on urban regeneration masterplans.

The President and Vice President will work with a team of independent experts tasked with ensuring that new developments in the neighborhood are built to high standards with sustainable credentials.

Cllr Ross Houston, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Homes and Regeneration, said:

“I am delighted that the first Barnet Quality Review Panel has now been formed, delivering on a key commitment in the council’s plan for Barnet. The expert team will help deliver on our commitment to high-quality development that complements our neighborhood’s existing urban landscapes.

“At the same time, we are strengthening our planning policies to focus on building communities, not just houses, to ensure developments integrate well with their surrounding areas and align with our ambitious environmental goals.”

Barnet has reworked its planning framework to promote sustainability and community

Barnet Council aims to focus development in town centers and around transport links to boost growth and help build sustainable communities.

With these objectives in mind, the council’s Cabinet approved a number of changes to its Local Plan – the fundamental planning framework that shapes development in the district.

These changes include strengthening policies to encourage high-quality design, improve on-street safety and amenities, and promote active travel.

The updated policies aim to ensure that the public realm is an integral part of the design process and to enhance the connection between publicly accessible space and the built environment. They also encourage developers to address crime prevention and fire safety in pre-application discussions.

Environmental policy reviews have also been made in line with the council’s commitments to tackling climate change and improving green and open spaces.