Lib Dem councillor for Crouch End, David Winskill has welcomed the decision by Planning Inspectors to turn down an appeal over a refused planning application on one of Crouch End’s backlands this month.

The application to build some eight flats adjacent to Alford House, Stanhope Road, N6 had faced huge opposition from local residents supported by Cllr Winskill. It was originally turned down by the planning committee in July 2004.

The appeal was dismissed by The Planning Inspectorate on the grounds that the flats did not constitute good design and would not improve the character and quality of the area. There was also concern on the effect on the backlands as an area of special character.

Councillor Winskill, along with his fellow ward councillors, Ron Aitken and Peter Floyd have been campaigning with local residents and Lynne Featherstone MP against the intensification of developments in Crouch End.

He is delighted that local residents and politicians have succeeded in sending out a message to developers who see Haringey as a soft touch.

Cllr Winskill (Crouch End) comments:

“The residents have waged a determined and well thought out campaign against this over intrusive application.

“It’s been a pleasure working with them and I hope the decision by planning inspectors to disallow this appeal will dissuade other speculative developers from these inappropriate applications.”