Hornsey residents will be ignored as a result of delays by Haringey Council over the Hornsey Depot Site say the area’s Liberal Democrats.

On Monday Haringey Council was forced to reveal that delays mean the length of time allowed for pre-planning consultation on the Depot Development has been reduced from six months to just two.

Despite the need for public consultation the Council’s target date for the submission of a planning application has remained March 2008.

Cllr Robert Gorrie (Hornsey) comments:

“In their most recent reply to our questions, Haringey Council says that Inner Circle is actively developing scheme options taking into account the landowner’s brief, planning guidance and other requirements. So that would be responding to the demands of Sainsbury and Haringey Council. What about the local residents, local businesses and other local service providers? They have been completely left out.

“We have had no contact from the developer and our concerns on the lack of transparency and consultation continue to be treated with contempt by Haringey Council. This development is very important to the residents of Hornsey and could be very positive, but not if the Council continues to display its customary arrogance and lack of concern for residents’ views.

“I am writing to Haringey Council asking for the targeted submission date for a planning application to be put back in order to allow a process of local engagement that will consult residents properly.”

Cllr John Oakes, Lib Dem Community Involvement spokesperson, adds:

“Councillor Gorrie is spot on. ‘Consultation’ is a marvellous banner that Haringey Labour parade at election time. But as soon as they’ve got your vote it goes back in the cupboard.”