Council delays slash consultation period for Depot site

4.09.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 29th Nov 2007

Hornsey residents will be ignored as a result of delays by Haringey Council over the Hornsey Depot Site say Lib Dems. On Monday the Council was forced to reveal that the length of time allowed for pre-planning consultation on the Depot Development has been reduced from six months down to two and it is unlikely that an agreement with developers will be signed until January next year. Lib Dems have again repeated their requests for better public consultation and are concerned at the new delays and the impact on the opportunity for residents to be involved.

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, the 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 the 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 the 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."

Notes:

On 26th July 2007, Inner Circle were chosen by Haringey Council to be the preferred development partner for the Hornsey depot site.