Lib Dem councillors in Muswell Hill have welcomed the decision by Haringey Council’s planning committee to refuse planning permission for the controversial planning application at 30 Muswell Hill, N10 on Monday (27th June).

Haringey Council had recommended that the application be given permission with conditions attached, but the planning committee refused permission. They cited the complete lack of affordable housing included in the plans as the main reason. However, there were also concerns on the environmental impact of the modern building in the Edwardian surroundings.

The news has delighted residents and Lib Dem planning spokesperson, Jonathan Bloch, who has supported residents in their campaign against the application to demolish the current Edwardian house and garden and erect 12 grey and aluminium flats on the corner of the busy junction.

This application was the latest in a recent spate of controversial planning applications in Muswell Hill that Lib Dem councillors and residents have successfully fought against.

The Lib Dems are concerned that developers still see Haringey as an easy target for large profitable developments. Cllr Bloch says that the Lib Dems are determined to ensure that developments add to the area rather than detract from it.

Cllr Bloch comments:

“I am delighted that once again inappropriate development plans have been rejected. There is a need for more affordable housing in London, and this development failed to address this. It is also essential that new developments do not detract from the surroundings. That too was a factor for residents in this application. We place a premium on open space in the borough and will continue to work with local residents and Lynne Featherstone MP to ensure that developments that are to the detriment of the area continue to be opposed.”