Liberal Democrats have welcomed the Council’s rejection of plans to build a housing development on the site of the Avante Garden Centre, Cranley Gardens, N10 following Wednesday night’s planning meeting (30th July). They say the rejection has highlighted the serious questions over the suitability of the site and its impact on the surrounding area.

The proposal for a total of four, two- and three-storey terraced houses were rejected principally on the grounds of their effects on the environment, including in particular the views from the nearby Muswell Hill Road bridge, the effects on the local townscape, the crammed site that would result, and the effects on the Parkland Walk, which is a statutory local nature reserve as well as a valued walking path.

Lib Dem councillors Lynne Featherstone and David Winskill say the proposals have raised serious questions of principle.

Lib Dem Planning Spokesperson, Cllr David Winskill (Crouch End) comments:

“We are pleased that this development has been rejected. The buildings currently occupying the site have a very low visual impact, allowing sight lines across them from the surrounding houses. What the developers proposed would have seriously affected local views and could have had a detrimental affect on the wildlife around the nature reserve and the amenity of the walk. There are concerns about the continuing loss of facilities that help make up a balanced local community.”

Local Lib Dem Councillor Lynne Featherstone adds:

“I hope that the developers will think again before challenging this decision. Ideally, we would like to see a garden centre retained, but if that is not feasible then a detailed redevelopment plan must be put forward addressing all issues from the environment to employment.”