Fortis Green Lib Dem councillor Steve Gilbert has expressed his opposition to a controversial planning application to build a huge new building off Creighton Avenue at the site formerly known as Strathlene House.

Haringey Council has received an application to build a 96-room care home on the site, formerly part of Fortismere School, and Lib Dems have expressed astonishment that the applicants appear to want to build on the ‘Metropolitan Open Land’ a the rear of the site.

Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesperson Cllr Lynne Featherstone and Lib Dem Leader Cllr Neil Williams visited the site with local residents this week, not only to see for themselves the extent of the plans, but also to look at the appalling devastation to trees carried out in recent weeks. Both councillors are pursuing this issue with Haringey Council.

The party has however welcomed strong indications form the council’s planning department that the plans will not get the go-ahead – but has pledged to watch the developments closely and ensure that these responsible for the devastation to mature trees on the site are held to account for their actions.

Cllr Stephen Gilbert (Fortis Green) comments:

“This is a highly sensitive site, and it is extraordinary that any developer should think they might be granted planning permission to build on Metropolitan Open Land. The footprint and height of the new building would be far, far too large, and I will be working to ensure that it does not get the go-ahead.”

Cllr Lynne Featherstone (Muswell Hill) adds:

“I went to see the site myself yesterday, and was appalled at the devastation to trees, with many mature specimens apparently butchered. We will be asking the Council for an investigation and will be pressing for prosecutions if any of the works were carried out illegally.”