Key Points
- Planning Permission Approved: Barnet Council has granted planning permission for the redevelopment of the former Foxtons estate agency building at 98–100 High Street in Chipping Barnet.
- Mixed-Use Scheme: The site will be transformed into a four-storey mixed-use development comprising 11 new homes alongside ground-floor commercial premises featuring a traditional shopfront.
- Heritage & Restoration: Located within the Wood Street Conservation Area, the project includes sensitive restoration of masonry, architectural detailing, and a carefully designed roof extension.
- Community Infrastructure: The approved scheme incorporates cycle parking, landscaping, and various environmental improvements.
- Collaborative Planning: The proposal was shaped over a multi-year period following extensive consultations with local residents, the Barnet Society, planning officers, and local stakeholders.
Chipping Barnet (North London News) July 23, 2026 —A prominent High Street property that has stood empty for years is set to undergo a major transformation following the official approval of a new mixed-use regeneration scheme. The former Foxtons building, located at 98–100 High Street in Chipping Barnet at the corner of Moxon Street, will be converted into a four-storey development containing 11 new residential properties alongside high-street commercial space. Planning permission has now been formally granted by Barnet Council for the site, which sits at the heart of the historic Wood Street Conservation Area.
As reported by Matt Drake of London Now, the granted permission encompasses a comprehensive restoration strategy alongside public realm enhancements.
The scheme includes designated cycle parking, soft landscaping, and a series of environmental improvements aimed at revitalising the surrounding urban environment.
What are the architectural and restoration plans for the site?
The redevelopment project focuses heavily on preserving and integrating the character of the historic townscape.
Situated inside a protected conservation zone, the approved architectural plans mandate a sensitive restoration of the building’s original structural components.
According to reported details from London Now and The Barnet Society, the project incorporates the recreation of a traditional high-street shopfront, sensitive restoration of the external masonry, and refined architectural detailing.
A newly designed roof extension will also be added to complement the existing rooflines and scale of the surrounding High Street buildings.
As reported by Matt Drake of London Now, Simon Kaufman, principal of Simon Kaufman Architects, stated:
“We are delighted that planning permission has now been granted. This project demonstrates how thoughtful regeneration can deliver much-needed new homes, create exciting new opportunities for the High Street, and enhance the character of Chipping Barnet’s historic town centre.”
Mr Kaufman further noted the prolonged nature of the planning phase:
“This has been a long journey, and it is tremendously rewarding to see this prominent High Street building restored and given a new lease of life, making a positive contribution to the local community once again.”
How was the scheme developed and approved?
The planning approval follows extensive dialogue between the design team, local government authorities, and community groups.
Discussions regarding the future of the prominent corner plot—which previously housed a photo-copying business, a Foxtons estate agency branch, and later a community pop-up space—originally commenced six years ago.
As detailed by The Barnet Society, Simon Kaufman Architects engaged in formal consultations with local planners, heritage conservation officers, community members, and civic bodies, including the Barnet Society. Following the submission of the formal planning application, negotiations with Barnet Council’s planning department spanned a four-year period before final approval was secured.
Political and civic support was also highlighted during the process. As reported by The Barnet Society, Dan Tomlinson, Member of Parliament for Chipping Barnet, confirmed that he worked alongside the architect and local advocacy groups to address delays and secure the future of the address.
As quoted by The Barnet Society, Dan Tomlinson MP stated:
“I am over the moon that through hard work, alongside my team, Simon Kaufman Architects, and local groups like the Barnet Society, we will finally see this eyesore turned into a new retail site and, most importantly, housing for residents.”
Construction works on the 98–100 High Street site are expected to start in the near future.
Explore More Barnet Council News
Barnet Council Honours Jewish Charities After Ambulance Attack, Barnet 2026
Green Councillor Accuses Legacy Parties of Coordinated Exclusion in Barnet 2026
Background of the development
The site at 98–100 High Street occupies a visual anchor position at the intersection of High Street and Moxon Street in High Barnet. Over the past decade, the premises transitioned through multiple commercial occupancies, including a commercial copying center, a branch of the Foxtons estate agency, and a short-term community pop-up initiative.
Following the departure of its commercial tenants, the vacant property became a focal point of local attention regarding the broader vitality of the high street.
The approval of 98–100 High Street occurs alongside wider urban transformation within the immediate vicinity. Moxon Street itself is currently experiencing significant redevelopment.
On neighboring plots, active demolition works have taken place at the former Checkalow Tiles showroom to make way for a car-free residential mews project comprising 21 homes for Barnet Homes.
Additionally, the nearby site of Intec House was approved for redevelopment into a six-storey residential block containing 113 homes. The redevelopment of 98–100 High Street resolves a long-standing vacant plot within the Wood Street Conservation Area, matching broader council initiatives to encourage brownfield infill development over greenbelt expansion.
Prediction: How this development will affect local residents and high street businesses
The granting of planning permission for 98–100 High Street is anticipated to directly affect two main groups: local residents and surrounding business owners.
- Footfall and Commercial Vitality: The transformation of a prominent vacant property into active ground-floor commercial space eliminates an idle frontage, improving the continuous retail line of the High Street.
- Increased Consumer Base: The addition of 11 residential units directly on the High Street, combined with larger adjacent housing developments on Moxon Street, will introduce new residents to the immediate walking catchment area. This influx is expected to generate sustained daily demand for local convenience stores, hospitality venues, and town-centre services.
- Visual Amenity and Heritage Enhancement: For nearby residents, the restoration of traditional architectural features, masonry repair, and sensitive roof design addresses long-standing complaints regarding building neglect within the Wood Street Conservation Area.
- Housing Availability: The addition of 11 residential units offers expanded local housing choices within an established urban center close to public transit connections.
- Short-Term Construction Activity: During the upcoming construction phase, residents living in close proximity to the Moxon Street junction may experience localized noise, temporary traffic management measures, and short-term delivery disruptions standard to town-center infill building projects.
