THREAT TO SCHOOL SAFETY RETURNS WITH NEW PLANNING APPLICATION

15.12.03

Local Lib Dem councillors have raised concerns about the fate of a footpath used by children to get to school in Muswell Hill. The path is under threat again from a developer's new proposals to build on open land at the rear of Lauradale Road in Muswell Hill - a move opposed by local residents and councillors.

Lib Dem councillor for Fortis Green, Matt Davies, says that one planning application for this site was rejected earlier in the year, but the developer has submitted new plans that are currently being consulted on.

Building on the site would result in a loss of local open land and wildlife, with increased congestion and traffic problems. The safety of children using the footpath from Woodside Avenue to St. James Church of England Primary School would be endangered.

"This planning application is almost identical to the previous plans, which were rightly rejected by the Council following a concerted campaign by Lib Dem councillors and local residents," explains Cllr Matt Davies.

"Residents are objecting in huge numbers again, and I hope that the Council will insist that developers keep their hands off this piece of land."

Cllr Davies recently attended a meeting of residents along with his Lib Dem colleague Cllr Lynne Featherstone, where they helped agree an action plan to defeat the application. Last time, the developers' plans were rejected due to loss of "Significant Local Open Land", overlooking and loss of privacy, with the plans deemed out of keeping with the surrounding area. Concerns were also raised about loss of employment and the planned use of the footpath as an access road. Residents' objections are again focussing around these points.

Cllr Davies says that residents can view the proposals at Muswell Hill library, following previous requests by Cllr Davies for plans to be made more accessible locally, rather than only at the Planning Department in Tottenham.

"Our local open land is constantly under threat from developers," says Cllr Davies. "We all appreciate the need for more housing - and especially affordable housing - but this must be provided in a sensible way at suitable locations. This particular patch of land is one part of Muswell Hill where a large residential development is completely unacceptable."

Cllr Lynne Featherstone adds:

"The loss of the footpath, which many children use to walk to the nearby schools would be a major blow and create a serious safety hazard. The developers must understand that this site simply isn't suitable for a development of this kind."

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