Highgate Lib Dem councillor Neil Williams has expressed satisfaction that controversial plans to build a house on the former Archway Road ‘Pocket Park’ have been rejected by Haringey Council. The move came at a meeting of the planning committee last week.

The committee rejected the proposals, which will now go on to appeal to the Department of the Environment.Cllr Williams said the planning committee was right to make their objection heard at this stage, pointing out that the Council has twice before had proposals to build on the former park rejected.The Highgate Conservation Area Advisory Committee and the Highgate Society have also opposed the plans.

Cllr Neil Williams comments:

“Haringey has rightly concluded that this site has the potential to be a small but much valued green oasis in the urban expanse of Archway Road. This matters, as the right environment will be good for residents and will encourage local business.”

Cllr Lynne Featherstone adds:

“We will continue to oppose this application as it moves towards appeal, and we will be pressing the Council to ensure that the site is improved, and that action is taken over the past removal of trees from the site.”