A developer has submitted a new bid to turn an office building into 34 flats after previous designs were judged to be too cramped.

Developer St Albans Lane Ltd applied to Barnet Council in September for ‘prior approval’ to convert St Albans House in St Albans Lane, Golders Green, which is home to several small businesses, to housing.

The bid was refused by Barnet Council, which said the flats would not all meet minimum national floor space standards, provide adequate light and plans would not address transport impact.

Under permitted development rights, industrial or commercial space can be converted to homes without planning permission, but this still needs to be reviewed and approved by the local authority.

In October, St Albans Lane Ltd resubmitted its application, claiming it had addressed the reasons for refusal. 

In the resubmitted planning statement, the applicant's agent Savills, states the proposals “are demonstrated to meet the minimum space standards” and “all habitable rooms are served by windows to increase internal daylight”. 

In response to the “impacts” on highways, Savills said: “The proposals restrict future occupiers obtaining parking permits, to address this previous reason for refusal”.

A total of 34 objections were made to the first application. Nearly all were concerned at the loss of CrossFit Atara, a locally-owned gym, due to its being “the only gym” in Golders Green - and the new application again proposes its removal.

There are two other facilities in the area, LowFlo, which does group fitness classes, and pilates studio Eternite Pilates.

Gym user Joel Bensoor wrote in August: “CrossFit Atara is the only gym in Golders Green and the only one within walking distance for many residents, including myself. Its removal would significantly reduce access to fitness facilities for the local community.”

Priya Singh, another “longstanding member”, wrote that the importance of the gym could not be “overstated”.

She said: “The gym cannot be relocated as it requires special equipment and very specific infrastructure requirements (for example, very high ceilings and specialist flooring), therefore it is vital to maintain this facility.

“We are in the middle of a national health crisis and shutting down businesses which promote health and fitness for the local community will only worsen the issue. The gym has been instrumental in helping to improve and maintain the health and wellbeing of its members.”

No comments have yet been made on the latest application. For more information, visit Barnet Council’s online planning portal, using reference number 24/4316/PNE.