Protect the past as we build for the future’ – planning proposals agreed
Innovative plans to deliver thousands of new homes and jobs while improving Haringey and protecting its heritage have taken a step forward following feedback from hundreds of residents.
Pioneering proposals such as a ban on fat-filled takeaways around schools, protection for family housing and tightening rules on basement developments are included in Haringey Council’s Local Plan, alongside ambitious long-term regeneration plans outlining possible sites where 20,000 new homes and 2million sq ft of employment space could be provided in the coming decades.
More than 650 people responded to initial consultation on draft Local Plan proposals, helping to shape updated strategies – with changes such as the removal of Lordship Rec from any plan for improvement work at Broadwater Farm – that were approved by the council’s Cabinet last night (Tuesday, October 20).
Other highlights of the plan, which will be subject to further consultation during December and January, include:
- Tackling clusters of betting shops by stopping new stores from opening if five per cent of shops in the area are already bookmakers
- Protecting Haringey’s historic pubs by only allowing redevelopments when all other options to save the business have been exhausted
- Safeguarding the historic character of Haringey’s town centres, such as planning rules in Bruce Grove to support more pedestrian space and more cafes and restaurants
- Details of housing estates where long-term regeneration work could bring modern, high-quality homes, in close consultation with local residentsCouncillor Ali Demirci, Cabinet Member for Planning, said: “It’s essential that we have a robust long-term plan that supports the thousands of new homes and jobs we want to create in Haringey in the coming years and makes sure they fit in with the borough’s character.“I’d like to thank the hundreds of people who had their say on our proposals earlier this year, helping us make changes to parts of the plan to ensure it better reflects residents’ priorities.“Our new policies to protect much-loved local pubs, stop unwieldy basement developments and recognise the history of our town centres show that we’re determined to protect the past as we build for the future.”Every council in England is required to have a Local Plan, setting out planning principles and where and how future development should take place. Any of the sites earmarked for development in the proposals would be subject to the full planning process, including further consultation, if and when any specific application is made.Final statutory Local Plan consultation will begin on Tuesday, December 1, before the final plans are submitted to the government’s Planning Inspectorate next year.
