Out on the campaign trail a number of residents have asked Matthew about the planning application for the Pentavia site. This is an application for 844 homes on this former Retail Park site between the A1 and the M1 in Mill Hill.
Conservative-controlled Barnet refused the application on the grounds it was contrary to its development plan. It is also contrary to the London Plan and the adopted Pentavia Retail Park Planning Brief. In fact, it is understood that the Mayor of London's planning officers acknowledged in their recommendation to the Mayor that this development was contrary to Barnet’s development plan. However, Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan approved the scheme.
Matthew immediately wrote formally to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government asking that he call-in the Mayor of London's decision and highlighting the significant concerns that he and local residents have about this planning application.
Matthew said: "The Secretary of State has confirmed to me that he is in contact with the Mayor’s office and is looking at the application to decide whether or not to call it in for his determination. My representations, and those of others, will be taken into account as part of his decision.
“It’s clear that the Pentavia site application should not go ahead. It is contrary to Barnet Council’s planning policy and the London Planning Policy. But regardless of that the Labour Mayor took it upon himself to overrule local politicians. It is vital that we have a Conservative Secretary of State on 13th December in order for the decision to be reconsidered. Local people must vote Conservative for that to happen.”
