Public silenced on the 'biggest planning application in history'

4.32.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 4th Dec 2007

Local residents and Lib Dem councillors are crying foul, as they will have no say over a major application that should transform parts of Tottenham. Plans for the redevelopment of the Greater London Supplies (GLS) Depot site in Ferry Lane, include 1,210 homes, a new primary school, office space, retail units, a hotel and a health centre.

Lib Dem councillors have vowed to pursue the matter, as the news comes despite the fact that on 17 th May 2007 initial planning permission was granted by the Planning Committee with agreement that detailed plans would return to the committee to decide at a later date.

The decision to grant the final details of the application will be made by the Chair of the planning committee and Council officials rather than the committee itself. Lib Dems have criticised the move as undermining councillors' and residents' involvement in making these vital decisions, which could determine the shape of the area for decades to come.

Lib Dem councillor, Monica Whyte, who is also her party's Greater London Assembly spokesperson for Enfield and Haringey, comments:

"The Council christened this site as the biggest planning application in Haringey's history, yet public involvement is to be minimal. It just shows Labour's total disregard for their residents if this project is not given the public scrutiny in deserves. Labour are trying to create a flawed process which is completely inappropriate given the large scale and significance of the development."

Cllr Jonathan Bloch, Lib Dem planning spokesperson, adds:

"Outline planning permission was granted only on the guarantee that more detailed plans would be provided later for the committee to consider. It is totally unacceptable that a decision of this size should be taken in a back room rather than within a democratic system with much needed checks and balances.

Notes:

Link to Haringey Council press release 18th May 2007 after initial planning permission was granted http://www.haringey.gov.uk/tottenham_regeneration_kickstarted_with_approval_for_1_200_new_homes.htm