Lib Dem councillors Lynne Featherstone and Bob Hare have stepped up their calls for a full environmental impact assessment of the controversial new Tube Control Centre project in Highgate. The move comes following a letter to local residents from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, suggesting such an assessment is necessary – despite Haringey Council having accepted Tubelines’ suggestion that this was not needed.

Cllrs Bob Hare (Highgate) and Lynne Featherstone (Muswell Hill) say this latest development shows Tubelines must conduct an impact study on the scheme – and Haringey Council should insist that the company does so.Lib Dems say that an impact assessment will ensure that measures are taken to help protect nearby habitats as well as local people. Local bat populations for example, and the willow warblers which inhabit the woodland edge could be affected by the scheme.

Bob Hare comments:

“I have argued all along that an environmental impact assessment is necessary for such a sensitive site on the edge of Highgate Wood. Local people living nearby, and indeed the wider Highgate community, are entitled to know that the impact of such a major building is being fully assessed.

“It is time Tubelines bowed to this pressure and agreed to a full study.”