Barnet covers one of the largest geographic areas of any London borough, and the residential stock reflects that scale. The 1930s semis and Edwardian terraces dominate the suburban heart of the borough through Finchley, Hendon, Mill Hill, Edgware, and Whetstone, where upward extensions on individual homes are the most common airspace work. Post-war and 1960s estates concentrate around Colindale, Burnt Oak, and parts of Hendon, where mid-rise residential blocks suit rooftop schemes. The Hampstead Garden Suburb conservation area carries protected stock where airspace work is severely limited by heritage considerations.
We specialise in chartered surveying on dense urban sites where rooftop and upward extension schemes are most common, and the practice is RICS regulated with over 30 years of combined experience. A free initial assessment covers feasibility and the most likely planning route on a specific site.
As well as providing daylight, sunlight and rights of light advice, our role would be to make contact with the occupants of the existing building to establish any concerns regarding the development. We will work closely with the professional team to identify the initial questions and look at how these can be addressed.
It is our experience that maintaining the same point of contact for the duration of the project offers the existing occupants’ reassurance and continuity.
Project type drives the scope. On homeowner-led upward extensions across Barnet's 1930s semis and Edwardian terraces, the focus is on the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, neighbour relations, and protection of the existing structure during construction. Many semi-detached and detached properties qualify for prior approval extensions under permitted development, which changes the planning route but not the party wall obligations.
On rooftop additions to post-war estates and mansion blocks across Colindale, Burnt Oak, and parts of Hendon, the existing occupants liaison role becomes central. We make initial contact with each leaseholder below the proposed units, prepare Schedules of Condition for the flats directly below, and act as the named point of contact through construction. Airspace development advice covers feasibility on more complex schemes.
Airspace work in Barnet typically sits alongside daylight and sunlight, rights of light, and party wall workstreams on the same scheme. The same surveyor stays on the project from instruction to handover.
Over the past four years, CHP have worked very successfully with us in their capacity as party wall surveyors. Through his calm, sensible approach and excellent communication skills James Crowley, in particular, gained the trust and confidence of the entire team and stakeholders. Looking forward to working with CHP again.”
- Clare Goggin, Jackson Coles
Airspace schemes carry more risk than a standard extension. On individual homes, the proximity to neighbouring properties and the requirement to serve party wall notices on every adjoining owner means a structured surveying process avoids delays and disputes. On residential blocks, the existing residents below the development carry the most direct impact, and a dedicated surveyor takes that relationship off the developer's plate.
Outcomes from a well-run scheme include programme certainty, fewer damage claims, and planning sign-off without late objections from neighbours. Planning routes in Barnet run through the London Borough of Barnet, with the Hampstead Garden Suburb conservation area adding heritage constraints to some sites. Specialist party wall services usually run alongside the airspace work itself.
Get in touch.
Head Office
2-6 Boundary Row
London, SE1 8HP
Essex Office
2-6 Boundary Row
London, SE1 8HP
020 3714 4090
Get in touch.
Head Office
2-6 Boundary Row
London, SE1 8HP
Essex Office
2nd Floor, 10 High Street
Wickford, Essex
SS12 9AZ
020 3714 4090
enquiries@chpsurveyors.com
