Key Points
- The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has “called in” the planning application for a major redevelopment of the Great North Leisure Park in North Finchley, meaning he will make the final decision after a public hearing.
- Barnet Council’s Strategic Planning Committee refused the scheme on 4 December 2025, citing over-development, harm to the local character, and environmental risks, despite officers recommending approval.
- Developers Regal London (in partnership with Arada) propose 1,485 homes across 20 buildings up to 25 storeys high, including 312 affordable units, commercial space, and 3,791.4 square metres of new sports facilities with a six-lane 25-metre swimming pool and lido.
- The project would demolish the existing Vue Cinema, Hollywood Bowl bowling alley, Finchley Lido Leisure Centre, restaurants, and car parking.
- A petition by Our North Finchley campaigners, opposing the “overcrowded” and “poorly designed” plans, has garnered over 8,000 signatures.
- Residents demand “comparable” replacements for the cinema and bowling alley, plus new facilities like a GP surgery and youth centre.
- Benefits cited include 870 construction jobs and £2.5 million annual council tax revenue.
- Concerns include strain on public transport (one major bus route), GP services, loss of youth social spaces, increased crime risks, and damage to the adjacent Glebelands Local Nature Reserve, home to protected great crested newts.
- A public hearing at City Hall is likely in February 2026, where Khan will hear from Barnet Council, developers, objectors, and supporters.
North Finchley (North London News) January 28, 2026 – The final say on a controversial proposal to build 1,485 homes and a new lido at the Great North Leisure Park in North Finchley now rests with London Mayor Sadiq Khan, after Barnet Council rejected the plans last month.
The scheme, put forward by developers Regal London in partnership with Arada, would see 20 high-rise blocks up to 25 storeys replace the current leisure facilities, including the Vue Cinema, Hollywood Bowl bowling alley, and Finchley Lido Leisure Centre. Despite promises of new sports space and affordable housing, locals have rallied against it via a petition exceeding 8,000 signatures, labelling it too dense and harmful to community amenities.
What Triggered Sadiq Khan’s Intervention?
As reported by David Floyd of Barnet Post, Sir Sadiq Khan has called in the application, taking over from Barnet Council’s decision to refuse it on 4 December 2025. Councillors deemed the high-density proposal “out of character with the surrounding area” and likely to cause “harm to the proposed environment”, overriding planning officers’ recommendation for approval.
Campaigners from Our North Finchley urged supporters to submit views to the Greater London Authority (GLA) planning website post-refusal. Now, Khan will convene a public hearing at City Hall – likely in February 2026 – to hear arguments from all parties before ruling.
Why Did Barnet Council Reject the Plans?
Barnet Council’s Strategic Planning Committee voted against the redevelopment, highlighting over-development on a site the size of five football pitches. Michael Levitsky, coordinator with Our North Finchley, told North West Londoner:
“The scheme is exceptionally large, even by London standards – 1,500 homes on a single site, over 4,000 people.”
Mary Hogben of the Finchley Society warned the committee of poor design, overcrowding, lack of daylight, and privacy issues posing
“a real chance of damage to the physical and mental health of residents.”
Fears also centred on strain to the single major bus route and overstretched GP services.
What Facilities Would the Development Replace?
The plans entail demolishing key local assets: the Vue Cinema, Hollywood Bowl bowling alley, Finchley Lido Leisure Centre (council-owned and ageing), restaurants, and extensive car parking. Nikki Austen, a long-time Barnet resident, shared with North West Londoner how the site has been a family staple since the 1930s, stating:
“There simply is nowhere for pre-teens, teenagers and young adults to go in un-facilitated groups, where they are genuinely welcomed.”
Residents Zyan Edwards and Anushka Patel, who met working at the Vue Cinema, emphasised its community role: Patel said,
“We met here that’s why we feel quite strongly about it,”
while Edwards added,
“It’s an integral part of everyone’s lives, not just our own.”
Observations noted steady use by diverse groups, including disabled and SEND children at Hollywood Bowl, underscoring its inclusive value.
What New Features Do Developers Propose?
Regal London plans 1,485 residential units, with 312 affordable, plus commercial space. Sports facilities total 3,791.4 square metres, featuring a six-lane 25-metre indoor pool and outdoor lido – though the council halved the proposed leisure centre size amid cost and design disputes.
Economic upsides include 870 construction jobs and £2.5 million yearly council tax. A Regal London spokesperson responded to the refusal:
“We remain convinced the scheme delivers much-needed homes and wider public benefits, and we will carefully review the decision and consider all options.”
Earlier, in March 2025, the GLA offered “support in principle” but noted non-compliance with the London Plan, with staff scrutinising viability for more affordable housing.
What Do Residents Demand in Return?
Locals seek “comparable” replacements for the cinema and bowling alley, alongside a GP practice and youth centre. Campaigners stress the loss of safe youth spaces could drive anti-social behaviour to high streets, exposing children to drugs. Edwards warned:
“I think crime rates might actually go up, because when you think about the youth, they need a distraction, they need somewhere to be, and you’re taking away a pivotal part of their community.”
Levitsky noted police concerns over the burden from 4,000 new residents. Community voices insist they support development if it meets needs, not just housing targets.
How Does the Glebelands Nature Reserve Factor In?
Conservationists hail the refusal for protecting the adjacent Glebelands Local Nature Reserve, boasting one of London’s largest great crested newt populations – a protected species. Petra Schade, Co-Chair of Coppetts Wood Conservationists, told North West Londoner:
“We’re so happy that the councillors are supporting us because we know this is not right. We know it’s against the government guidance and the laws.”
She warned of risks from tearing down protective fencing, construction chemicals, dust, and sunlight blockage by tall buildings, potentially eradicating the newts.
What Is the Petition’s Role and Scale?
Our North Finchley’s petition, launched against Regal London’s “overdevelopment”, surpassed 8,000 signatures, fuelling the council’s rejection. A related Change.org effort, “Defend North Finchley — Say NO to Overdevelopment by Regal London”, decries four massive applications threatening the area’s stability.
Broader opposition includes the Finchley Society and Coppetts Wood group, viewing the density as unprecedented for the UK.
Will Sadiq Khan Approve the Scheme?
Campaigners fear Khan may override the council, given prior GLA support and London’s housing pressures. Barnet Post notes the hearing will scrutinise these tensions. Regal’s appeal options remain open, with locals bracing for the outcome.
As North Finchley awaits Khan’s verdict, the debate pits housing needs against preserving community heart and environment. The public hearing promises robust exchanges, echoing months of fervent local advocacy.
