Traders and residents victorious in Crouch End development battle

Cllr Lynne Weber (far left) with local residents and workers outside Kwik Fit in Tottenham Lane. Picture: Dieter Perry.

by Tim Lamden Wednesday, August 15, 2012
6:28 PM

Traders and residents are celebrating victory after a year-long battle to prevent a developer demolishing three businesses in the heart of Crouch End to make way for a five-storey block of homes and offices.

The plans, which included the demolition of Kwik Fit opposite the YMCA in Tottenham Lane, as well as a car wash and car repair centre next door, were rejected by the Planning Inspectorate last week.

Developer Lyne, Frank & Wagstaff Ltd appealed to the inspectorate on the grounds of “non-determination” before their application had even been considered by Haringey Council’s planning committee, claiming council officers had taken too long to consider the plans.

But following a three-day inquiry from May 29 to May 31, the inspectorate ruled against the developer and rejected the plans on August 7.

Alison Lillystone, whose home in Fairfield Road backs onto the site, said: “If this had gone through it would have set a terrible precedent for Crouch End.

“It was a cynical attempt to increase the value of land without any thought for the local people or architecture of the area.

“It was just cramming to give the site value.”

The proposal was to develop a terrace of seven three-storey, four-bedroom houses, and a five-storey building with commercial and office space, with 22 flats above.

However, the plans faced more than 40 objections including concerns about the development overlooking the gardens of homes in Fairfield Road and invading neighbours’ privacy.

There were also concerns about noise nuisance from roof terraces proposed in the development and fears that the complex would create an eyesore amid the Victorian conservation area.

The proposal to demolish Kwik Fit, in addition to repair garage MEB Motor Centre and car wash Bubbles, which would have shed numerous jobs in the process, was also widely opposed.

Cllr Lyn Weber said: “It is fantastic that the traders will be able to continue on trading. They are valued by the local community.”

MEB owner Gerrard Naraina added: “I’m glad we have been successful in this battle but we shall wait and see what plans they put forward next and try to defend this again.”