Planning Approved: Airspace Development Delivering 9 New Homes in Hendon

Unlocking Airspace Potential in Outer London

Planning permission has been granted by the London Borough of Barnet for a significant airspace development at Whiteways, Hillview Gardens, Hendon, NW4 delivering 9 new homes through the addition of two storeys above an existing residential building.

Presented to planning committee and approved following detailed scrutiny, the scheme demonstrates how carefully considered design and a robust planning strategy can unlock development potential in constrained suburban contexts.

“Approved at planning committee following detailed scrutiny, with members recognising the quality of the design, this scheme demonstrates how well-considered airspace development can unlock significant housing delivery in a suburban context.”

The approved proposal involves:

• Removal of the existing roof

• Addition of two new storeys

• Creation of 9 self-contained residential units

• A side extension to provide a compliant access core

The Site & Opportunity

The existing building comprises a two-storey residential block with a modest pitched roof. Located at a prominent junction within Hendon, the site benefits from a varied surrounding context including both traditional low-rise buildings and more recent larger-scale developments.

This diversity in the urban grain created an opportunity to:

• Increase height in a contextually responsive way

• Optimise the site’s capacity

• Deliver additional housing in a sustainable manner

Importantly, the site is not constrained by conservation or heritage designations, allowing a more flexible design response.

Design Strategy: Responding to Context

A key part of the planning strategy was ensuring the additional storeys sat comfortably within the surrounding townscape.

The design approach was informed by:

• Nearby larger-scale developments (including adjacent schemes reaching 3-4 storeys)

• Changes in ground levels across the site

• The need to balance increased density with visual integration

The result is a scheme that:

• Aligns with the prevailing height of neighbouring buildings

• Maintains a coherent street presence

• Enhances the architectural quality of the existing block

Housing Delivery & Mix

The scheme delivers a well-balanced mix of homes, including:

• 1-bedroom units

• 2-bedroom units

• 3-bedroom family homes

• A studio apartment

This mix supports local and strategic housing objectives, responding to the need for both smaller units and family accommodation within the borough.

Each unit is designed to meet relevant space standards and includes private amenity space in the form of terraces.

Overcoming Planning Challenges

As with many airspace developments, the application attracted a number of objections, including concerns relating to:

• Impact on daylight and outlook

• Increased height and massing

• Parking and servicing pressures

• Construction impacts

Through a robust planning strategy, we addressed these concerns by:

• Demonstrating compliance with daylight, outlook and amenity standards

• Evidencing underutilised parking capacity on site

• Providing a clear access and servicing strategy

• Ensuring policy alignment with both local and London-wide planning frameworks

Ultimately, the proposal was considered acceptable, with the benefits of housing delivery outweighing any perceived impacts.

Sustainability & Biodiversity

The scheme incorporates a number of sustainability and ecological enhancements, including:

• Green roof provision

• Biodiversity features such as bat boxes, bird bricks and insect habitats

• Electric vehicle charging infrastructure

• Water efficiency measures

• Carbon reduction targets exceeding baseline requirements

These measures align with both the London Plan and Barnet’s Local Plan policies on sustainable development.

Planning Outcome

Planning permission was formally granted under application reference 24/3025/FUL, confirming the council’s support for well-designed airspace development in appropriate locations.

The approval is subject to standard conditions, including:

• Material approval

• Construction management

• Landscaping and biodiversity implementation

• Parking and cycle provision

This scheme demonstrates how underutilised residential buildings can be sensitively intensified to deliver high-quality new homes without the need for full site redevelopment.

Our Role

MSK Design Ltd were appointed to lead the project from initial feasibility through to planning approval, developing a strategy to unlock the site’s airspace potential.

Our scope included:

• Feasibility & Development Strategy
  Identifying the opportunity to introduce additional storeys while responding to the surrounding context and planning policy.

• Planning Strategy & Pre-Application Engagement
  Establishing the principle of development and addressing key risks relating to height, massing, and neighbour impact.

• Architectural Design
  Developing a design-led solution that integrates with the existing building while clearly articulating the new extension.

• Planning Application & Coordination
  Preparing and coordinating the full planning submission, including consultant inputs and supporting documentation.

• Committee Strategy & Support
  Supporting the application through planning committee, ensuring the scheme was clearly presented and robustly justified.

Planning Insight

This project highlights several key principles for successful airspace development:

• Context is critical - height increases must be justified through surrounding scale

• Design quality matters - particularly when altering an existing building

• Parking strategy can unlock schemes - especially where existing provision is underused

• Policy alignment is essential - particularly with local plan and London Plan objectives

Airspace development continues to represent a powerful tool for delivering new homes across London, particularly on sites where full redevelopment is not viable.

Thinking of an Airspace Development?

At MSK Design Ltd, we specialise in unlocking development potential through strategic planning and design-led solutions.

If you are considering an airspace project, we can advise on:

• Feasibility and capacity studies

• Planning strategy (including fall-back positions)

• Pre-application engagement

• Full planning applications

Get in touch to discuss your site.

Call us: 020 3021 2236