Lynne Featherstone

Liberal Democrats in Highgate have slammed Haringey Council for refusing to act over the future development of a key site at the gateway to Highgate. Liberal Democrats say Haringey Council’s ‘crackpot’ approach could see the busy gyratory system, at the top of the Archway Road, used for building flats. The fact that Haringey owns the land just adds insult to injury, say local Liberal Democrats.

Previous plans, although now on hold, for development at 505 Archway Road, propose to build one commercial property on the ground floor, six two-bed and one one-bed residential flats above. Highgate Liberal Democrat councillor Neil Williams has asked for a full planning brief for this sensitive site – but this has been turned down by Labour-run Haringey Council.

Cllr Williams says the refusal to act is also the height of hypocrisy – Haringey Council is rightly investing with Transport for London (TfL) in removing the gyratory system in Tottenham Hale, but is willing to contemplate building housing in the middle of a gyratory in Highgate.

Cllr Neil Williams (Highgate), comments:

“It’s clear Haringey aren’t bothered about putting a block of flats in the middle of this traffic roundabout – but it is a totally crackpot idea. You would wonder how on earth such a bizarre idea ever got this far. It adds insult to injury, that Haringey is the owner of this land.

“We need a full planning brief, for local residents to have a full say on the plans for this important entrance to Highgate.”

Lynne Featherstone MP adds:

“Haringey Council needs to fully consult on this key Highgate site, or it will show they are ignoring local residents.”