• WE’RE beginning to think the government might be right and the planning system is broken.

In Highgate the long-running saga of the development of mews houses in Townsend Yard, just off Highgate High Street continues.

There seems to be something of a war of attrition going on between the developer, London Fire Brigade and Haringey planning and building control, and it is one the planners and building control seem at risk of losing.

There have been continued breaches of construction site rules with a litany of problems including working outside agreed hours, blocking access to Townsend Yard, and holding up traffic while over-sized lorries unload or attempt to manoeuvre.

Finally, in early December, the developer was served with a breach of condition notice by Haringey after a string of complaints from the Highgate Society and users of the road who sometimes had to wait 40 minutes to get in or out of their premises. The builder was given until January 5 to comply with the construction management plan.

A cynic might think that they never really intended to comply with these rules when they were submitted as a condition of the planning application. Could there just be a plan to move on to the next stage of works before Haringey’s planning enforcement can catch up?

Second, and more importantly in the long term, there is still no sign yet of revised plans which will give fire brigade access to Shepherd’s Cottage.

In December 2021 the brigade submitted a report to Haringey pointing out that they require access for their fire tenders via Townsend Yard to Shepherd’s Cottage (36a Highgate High Street).

In summer 2022 the builder indicated to the property owner that some access would be provided; however, despite many approaches to Haringey Council and continued campaigning by the Highgate Society and other local people, there has been no confirmation of this or revised plans submitted.

This is an intolerable situation for the homeowner as she fears for her safety and that of the historic listed cottage.

We continue with our campaign. Please sign our petition – there is a link on our website, https://highgatesociety.com/townsend-yard-petition-highlights-fire-safety-risk/

Meanwhile, spare a thought for local authority planners. As with many public services, they are suffering the effect of years of cuts and are just not getting to grips with the issues; but in the end this is still Haringey’s responsibility.

An underlying problem with this proposed development is that the developer, represented by its director, has refused throughout to speak to the community.

We think it would help Haringey planners to make a rule that applications like this one will only be considered after there has been community consultation.

WILLIAM BRITAIN
Chair, The Highgate Society