Haringey’s Lib Dem leader Neil Williams has expressed hope that improvements might be made to controversial attempts by developers to erect a large new building on a site in the Campsbourne, Hornsey, which would have a severe impact on local residents and the immediate area.

After a long-running campaign by the Lib Dems and local residents, Haringey Council discussions with developers of the site may lead to a reduction in the overall height of the building and a proper planting scheme for the site.

Builders are trying to erect nine new business and residential units on a small site at the end of ‘The Campsbourne’ cul-de-sac, off Hornsey High Road. The buildings would rise immediately behind the residential blocks in nearby Pembroke Road. Current plans allow for three-storey buildings with a 13 metre high brick wall (the rear wall of the proposed buildings) to be erected within 27 feet from the windows in the rear walls of the Pembroke Road residential properties and sited immediately in line with the bottom of the gardens of Rectory Gardens.

Lib Dems say that if the plans are realised, local tenants and residents would only have a view from the windows of their homes of a blank wall approximately 39 feet high – depriving them of direct air flow and light. Such large buildings would also overshadow further nearby properties on Rectory Gardens, The Campsbourne, and Campsbourne Road.

Lib Dem councillors Neil Williams and Lynne Featherstone have submitted a petition to the Council demanding action over the site. The help of Planning Aid for London has also been enlisted and they are keeping up the pressure to limit the impact of the development.

Cllr Neil Williams comments:

“I am hopeful that the continued pressure will make the developers think again about the impact of this enormous new building on those living nearby. It is true that they have a valid planning permission from Haringey, but in my view this should never have been granted.

“We can only hope that they see sense and agree to lower the height of the building.”