The Hornsey Depot application – which would see a Sainburys and over 400 new homes built on Hornsey High Street – has been deferred. This decision was made despite Labour-run Haringey Council’s planning officers saying planning permission should be granted.

At the meeting in Wood Green, Lib Dem Cllr Monica Whyte argued that the developers needed to make changes to the planned development on Hornsey High Street to address local residents’ concerns.

Local Lib Dem councillors and Lynne Featherstone MP had already formally lodged objections to the plans before the meeting – which included concerns about the quality and management of flats in the neighbouring New River site, which were built by the same developer.

Other issues raised by residents and politicians include:

• The height of the proposed buildings
• The density of the development
• Limited play areas for children
• The size of the Sainsbury’s store and its impact on local traders.

As a result of the Liberal Democrat and local resident concerns, the Committee deferred the decision and requested that the developers come back with revised plans taking into account residents’ views.

Monica Whyte, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Hornsey, comments:

“I welcome the decision to defer the application for the development of the Hornsey Depot site. We want the site developed but the concerns of residents must be taken into account. The developers need to revise their plans and do more to address the concerns of local residents.

“We want to see the right development on Hornsey High Street, which brings benefits to the local community. The plans put forward last night were just not good enough.”

Lynne Featherstone, Lib Dem MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, comments:

“This is good news for local residents. I hope the delay will mean that the developers take heed and listen to the concerns that the Haringey Lib Dems and residents have raised, and revise their plans accordingly.

“The problems at the New River Village, which I am still campaigning on, can’t be ignored. The developer must also show that lessons have been learnt from that before any further changes are made to our community.”