A decision on whether to approve plans to build a three-storey, 62 bedroom care home on a school site near Hampstead Heath has been delayed.

Barnet Council’s planning committee was due to consider the proposal for 84 West Heath Road this evening (July 26).

But the authority announced at the start of the meeting that it has delayed the decision. 

No explanation was given, although an addendum to the meeting states that following the publication of the meeting agenda a further 41 letters of objection were submitted. 

A previous application to demolish the former care home and school on the site and replace them with a five-storey, 80 bedroom care home was rejected by the authority in March.

At the time, the committee decided that the proposed development was “excessive” in size and height, and would be visually detrimental to the character of the surrounding area.

Under new plans submitted by luxury care home provider KYN, the development would be smaller, standing three storeys high and containing 62 bedrooms.

But objectors warn it is still too big, pointing to the fact that the new building’s floorspace would be 240% larger than the existing building.

Other concerns raised include the potential for increased traffic and a lack of affordable housing.

KYN’s planning statement suggests that the development would contribute positively to Barnet’s housing needs as the borough’s population grows.