Originally introduced as a pilot in four wards, the scheme was expanded borough-wide in July 2023 to ensure developers and property owners take responsibility for any damage caused to public footways.
Barnet Council’s innovative Damage to Highways scheme has saved the borough more than £1.2 million since its launch in 2020 by recovering the cost of repairing pavements damaged during building works.
Originally introduced as a pilot in four wards, the scheme was expanded borough-wide in July 2023 to ensure developers and property owners take responsibility for any damage caused to public footways.
Under the scheme, the council actively monitors pavements outside properties undergoing construction, identifying any damage caused by heavy machinery or building activity. Once repairs are carried out, the legal owners of the property are billed for the costs, accompanied by a letter explaining the charges.
By holding developers accountable, the initiative prevents taxpayers from bearing the financial burden of restoring footways.
Councillor Alan Schneiderman, Barnet’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, highlighted the importance of the scheme in protecting the borough’s infrastructure. “We have a responsibility to maintain safe and accessible roads and pavements for all residents.
This scheme ensures that those responsible for damage pay for repairs, rather than the council having to cover the costs,” he said. “It aligns with our commitment to caring for our public spaces, complementing the £97 million we are currently investing in improving roads and pavements across Barnet.”
The council is urging residents and developers to familiarise themselves with guidance before commencing any construction work. Those who notice damage to pavements or highways are encouraged to report it via the council’s dedicated portal at www.barnet.gov.uk/report-it-now.
New Local Plan 2036
Barnet Council has officially adopted its new Local Plan, setting a blueprint for development across the borough until 2036. Approved at a Full Council meeting on 4 March, the plan replaces the 2012 version and lays out a long-term vision for housing, infrastructure, and sustainability.
With a target of nearly 44,000 new homes, the plan focuses on sustainable growth in key areas, including town centres, major transport hubs, and estate renewal projects. It also paves the way for up to 67,000 square metres of new office space and the creation of a metropolitan town centre at Brent Cross. A new regional park with dedicated sports and recreational hubs is also included in the strategy.
Sustainability is a core principle of the plan, with improvements for walking and cycling through a “healthy streets” approach, alongside measures to support 27,000 jobs and revitalise town centres. The council aims to balance growth with environmental responsibility, ensuring new developments contribute to a greener and more adaptable urban landscape.
Cllr Ross Houston, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Homes and Regeneration, said the Local Plan reflects the council’s commitment to caring for people, places, and the planet. “Our plan ensures we retain Barnet’s best qualities while tackling climate change and future housing and infrastructure needs. This strategy is about building a brighter, more sustainable future for all residents.”
The Local Plan has been shaped by extensive consultation with residents and community groups since 2016 and includes 51 policies and 58 site proposals. Its adoption follows a thorough regulatory process, including a detailed examination by an independent Planning Inspector.
A key focus is ensuring that infrastructure keeps pace with growth, with planned improvements to transport links such as the West London Orbital Railway and new stations at Colindale and Brent Cross West. The plan aims to create a resilient and environmentally sustainable Barnet, balancing development with the needs of the community.
