Liberal Democrats have welcomed a lively and constructive meeting with concerned local residents and community representatives regarding the proposed Haringey Heartlands Development Framework at the Afro Caribbean Centre, Clarendon Road, Wood Green on 15th July. However, Lib Dems have also said there are still many concerns over the huge development, regarding traffic, housing and green spaces, that must be addressed.

At the meeting, Haringey Council fielded questions and concerns from the audience over a number of issues, including:

• Concern over increased traffic from the proposed Central Spine road running North to South through the development.
• Up to 14,000 houses on new development meaning a greater strain on educational and health services.
• Calls for a guarantee from developers to protect Wood Green Common for use by local residents.
• Need for a clear and fair framework for residents and businesses displaced through the development.
• Concern that the new development will block views of Alexandra Park to existing local residents.
• Need for assurances that waste management services for the large number of flats being built will be better than the poor level of service currently offered in the borough.

Wayne Hoban, Lib Dem deputy leader, attended the meeting and is positive about the discussions that took place. However he is aware that the Council must consult fully and investigate issues such as the implications of a housing development the size of the one proposed and the strain it will put on education and health services if they are not properly resourced.

Cllr Hoban (Alexandra ward) comments:

“We welcome the opportunity for increased employment in the borough through this proposed development. However we will be looking for full and meaningful consultation with local residents, businesses and other interested parties, to ensure that it becomes an asset to the borough and not another wasted opportunity.”

Lib Dem regeneration spokesperson Cllr David Winskill added:

“We are really pleased to be getting closer to a firm proposal for the brownfield sites. For eight years, since the Heartlands development was initiated, there has been a great deal of uncertainty surrounding plans and the lack of strong political leadership to bring together the land owners and regeneration agencies.

“Those of us with long memories will remember the devastating affect that the development of Wood Green Shopping City had on smaller shopping centres in the borough. With the Haringey Heartlands we must make sure we get it right and not be robbing Peter to pay Paul.”