Lib Dem Environment spokesperson and Highgate ward councillor Bob Hare has welcomed the decision by the planning inspector to rule that the conversion of garages into a house in Highgate was illegal and must be torn down.

The decision made last week following an appeal hearing on 11th and 12th October in which Cllr Hare gave evidence came about four years after the construction of the house began on garages to the rear of 221 Archway Road, N6. Since Cllr Hare became a councillor in 2002 he has been working with conservation groups, residents and Haringey Council to address this issue.

Cllr Hare welcomed the news and said that close working between local residents, ward councillors and council officers had produced a strong case.

Cllr Bob Hare (Highgate) said:

“I attended the appeal hearing and spoke against this illegal garage conversion and additional development, for its damaging effects on the Conservation Area, for the poor quality housing that it had produced, and for the damaging precedent that such a development would set if it was permitted. I am delighted that the inspector has ruled so comprehensively against this development.”