The Liberal Democrat Opposition on Haringey Council is calling for an immediate pause in the glut of new building developments in Crouch End to allow breathing space for residents to create a planning framework setting out a vision for the future.

Lib Dem spokesman Cllr David Winskill says that around Crouch End planning permission is being sought or has been granted for over 1,000 new dwellings in the past few years. However, there has been no corresponding increase or development in the social infrastructure, leaving Crouch End’s services – such as schools and doctors – groaning under the weight of new residents.

Local businesses are also losing out, changing the nature of the shopping area dramatically. David Winskill, Crouch End resident and Lib Dem Councillor, is urgently demanding a comprehensive approach to a new planning framework for the area.

“Crouch End is undergoing the fastest rate of change of any area in the borough. Residents and small businesses are feeling powerless and neglected,” says Cllr Winskill. “Simply allowing developers and market forces to decide the future of our community is unacceptable. We need an open debate and a Planning Framework to guide our planners.”

Cllr Winskill has written to the Lead Member for the Environment asking for a completely new approach on future planning developments to be put to consultation with local residents. He is requesting that an Overall Planning Framework for Crouch End should include housing provision, education, infrastructure, environment, retail, recreation/leisure/culture and movement.

“Putting all these areas into one document will make effective consultation with local residents easy and show that the Council is serious about both protecting and sensibly developing Crouch End,” said Cllr Winskill. “Crouch End is a great place to live – and as we welcome new residents into the area we must also make sure that we maintain all the aspects which make the town so great.”

Cllr Winskill’s call to the Labour Council is being fully backed by his Lib Dem colleagues across the Borough.

“Crouch End is constantly being hit by new developments including the current Texaco application,” explains Cllr Lynne Featherstone (Lib Dem, Muswell Hill). “There is so much to lose if the Council does not listen to this idea and take a step back before it is too late. New developments are inevitable, but with an Overall Planning Framework we can ensure that the bigger picture is taken into consideration and the overall nature of the area is preserved.”

“There is a lot of talk about listening to local residents and involving them in the community – here is a real chance for the Council to put its money where its mouth is and show they actually mean it for once,” she adds.