Tottenham regeneration plans approved despite no affordable housing

Published by Jon Land for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Local Government

Hundreds of new jobs, homes and shops and millions of pounds of new investment have been promised for Tottenham in north London, writes Paul Coleman.

David Walters of developers Grainger said plans to demolish and redevelop Wards Corner, a landmark building at Seven Sisters, would regenerate a South Tottenham neighbourhood where poverty has persisted for decades - despite the fact no affordable or social housing is included.

"We have the opportunity to develop real regeneration for Tottenham," said Walters, who says the scheme will attract further inward investment into the area.

Walters and colleagues persuaded councillors on Haringey's planning committee to vote 5-4 in favour of a Grainger plan to build new homes and shops at Wards Corner.

The June 26 vote, taken at 12.45am after a five-hour meeting, narrowly accepted a recommendation from council officers to approve Grainger's plan.

The decision - the latest twist in a long-running saga - offers Grainger and Haringey hope that their development agreement can be delivered.

The agreement, signed in 2007, has faced concerted opposition and legal challenge from Seven Sisters residents, businesses and market traders who fear Grainger’s scheme will mean the end for their homes, shops and stalls.

Malti Patel, whose family has lived at Wards Corner and run their newsagents downstairs for over 27 years, said angrily: "I will have nothing left if Grainger takes away my home and business."

Her daughter, Mital Patel, said the Wards Corner Community Coalition would continue with its own alternative community plan to restore the building for existing local residents and traders. “We will also ensure the concerns of local people who are directly affected by Grainger’s scheme will not be forgotten,” said Patel.

Walters said Grainger would do everything possible to help residents, businesses and market traders who might “temporarily relocate” during demolition and return after construction.

Wards Corner occupies land adjacent to Seven Sisters, a busy London Underground station, and sits just south of Tottenham homes and businesses severely damaged and destroyed during riots last August.

WARDS CORNER: THE GRAINGER PLAN

Haringey Council is now resolved to grant permission for Grainger’s scheme which comprises 196 new homes for sale, 2,619 square metres of new shops and a public area with new entrances to Seven Sisters tube station.

Provision of a new market hall has received intense scrutiny as it affects a large number of established businesses at the existing market, many run by Latin American, African, Caribbean and Asian traders.

Following the council's approval of the scheme, Grainger issued the fiollowing statement: "This is great news for Seven Sisters. The positive decision by Haringey’s committee reflects the very high level of support shown for the proposals by the local community.

"Over 400 individuals and organisations expressed their support through letters and petitions and we understand this is almost unprecedented in Haringey.

“The Seven Sisters Regeneration project is a crucial part of the Tottenham Regeneration Vision and is a fantastic opportunity to achieve a significant improvement in employment, safety, investment and opportunity.

"We hope we will shortly be able to work with the existing businesses, traders and residents on site and in the wider area to make this a reality at last.”