Crouch End councillors are calling for the present consultation on the Crouch End controlled parking zone (CPZ) to be abandoned, following the abandonment of the public ‘listening event’ held on Thursday afternoon (5 December).

The Lib Dems say that while the raised temperatures at the abandoned meeting were very regrettable, it remains that case that the consultation exercise put in place by Haringey Council was flawed. Questions remain over the information provided during the initial consultation. Insufficient notice was given of the listening event and there was confusion over what the developers are proposing on part of the BT site.

Lib Dem councillors have produced a five-point plan that they want implemented as soon as possible. They want the council to:

1. REVIEW the current consultation procedure.
2. END the link between the CPZ and the planning application at the former BT building. This would let the developers implement the existing planning permission. Residents could then see for themselves how the new building (when opened) impacts on parking in the area, enabling them to make a more informed decision.
3. IMPOSE a new consultation condition insisting that there is a review after six months, and if necessary repeated thereafter, as the impact of the BT development unfolds. If necessary and with residents’ consensus, parking controls could be implemented at the developer’s expense.
4. ENSURE that the council consults more widely in outlying streets, so that local residents in all areas which might be affected have their say.
5. REQUIRE the developers of the BT site to provide some funding for a local residents’ Parking Forum to ensure that everyone’s voice is fully heard.

The Lib Dems also say that there should be an overall review of car parking arrangements in Crouch End for both residents and shoppers. The Lib Dems would like to see the Town Hall car park open during daylight hours – something that the Labour-run council has so far resisted.

Crouch End Councillor David Winskill says that the first immediate step should be a meeting of ward councillors, local businesses, residents’ associations and the council to sit down and consider the next steps forward.

Crouch End councillor David Winskill comments:

“We must take the heat out of the present situation, so that everyone can regain confidence in the process. We need a system of consultation in which all residents have confidence, whatever their views.This can all take place in the new year if the present consultation is now abandoned.”