Liberal Democrat councillors have condemned the decision at last night’s Haringey Council Planning Committee to give the go-ahead to a controversial planning application on Aubrey Road.

The application, to build four new luxury houses on a “backlands” space will result in the loss of local garages, small workshops and a car repair business.

Residents have strongly opposed the application, saying it will harm the area, cost local jobs, reduce much-needed off-street parking and put extra pressure on public services in the area.

Crouch End councillor David Winskill comments:

“Haringey Council had the opportunity either to defer or reject this controversial planning application, but chose instead to side with the developers against residents. This is another example of how the planning system is letting down people and will lead to great disillusion with the planning system.”

Councillor Lynne Featherstone, who has met with London Mayor Ken Livingstone over the problems with backland developments, comments:

“We will continue to work with residents to fight other similar controversial applications that are in the pipeline.”