DECEMBER 2025 CONSERVATION REPORT – CAR PARKS

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DECEMBER 2025 CONSERVATION REPORT – CAR PARKS

NEW

A member has drawn attention to an application for a large rear extension in Lansdowne Road . We have written in support of the scheme’s objectors.

PLANNING POLICY – CONSULTATION ON THE DRAFT HARINGEY LOCAL PLAN

  • The Haringey Planning Policy has identified eleven sites for potential housing development in the Muswell Hill area, two of which possibly involving the loss of two car parks in the town centre. To comment and for more information go to https://haringeynewlocalplan.commonplace.is/
  • There will be a drop-in session at Muswell Hill Library on Monday, 8 December, 3pm to 6pm. The consultation ends at 5 pm on Friday, 19 December.

Background

The plan is in two parts – what might be summed up as policy, and then a section with details on 11 neighbourhoods. With regards to Muswell Hill, the plan aims to:

  • Deliver at least 250 new homes and increase local employment, especially through mews-style developments and town centre enhancements.
  • Celebrate heritage by preserving and restoring shop fronts, historic buildings, and key views, including the Strategic View of St Paul’s from Alexandra Palace.
  • Support local businesses by resisting commercial-to-residential conversions and enhancing Muswell Hill Broadway and Fortis Green Road.
  • Improve connectivity with safer pedestrian and cycle routes, especially around Muswell Hill Roundabout and towards Parkland Walk.
  • Enhance green character by introducing street trees, pocket parks, and better access to surrounding green spaces.
  • Strengthen Alexandra Palace as a cultural and leisure destination through heritage-led development and improved wayfinding.

SITES FOR HOUSING

In support of the aim to deliver the additional housing s in Muswell Hill eleven site have been identified for possible development, mostly in near the town centre and these proposals are summarised below. It must be noted that, except for the Summerland Gardens Car Park, the sites are not owned by the Council and any development would require prospective developers to submit detailed proposals and go through the planning process. The number of housing units is indicative only.

  • MH SA01 Summerland Gardens Car Park. This is the car park behind Marks & Spencer. 50 homes. Proposal: “There is potential on the surface car park for the creation of a new pedestrianised mixed-use mews development with town centre uses at ground floor and residential accommodation above. The existing community centre and associated gardens should be retained.”(Note: there is no mention of the continued provision of public toilets at this location.)
  • MH SA04 Muswell Hill Car Park (behind Everyman Cinema and 5-7 Fortis Green Road), N10. 15 homes. Proposal: “Potential to partially replace the existing surface carpark with infill residential development and provide town centre uses at street level along Fortis Green Road, enhancing the existing shopping parade.”
  • MH SA02 107 Avenue Mews, N10. 5 homes. Proposal: “The site is suitable for mixed-use infill development providing affordable workspace, community and town centre uses, alongside new homes and public realm improvements.”
  • MH SA03l Princes Lane (behind Fortis Green Road between Princes Avenue and Sainsburys, N10). 30 homes. Proposal: “Potential to deliver additional homes and commercial space on backland making more efficient use of land in this valuable town centre location and providing continuous active frontages and improved public realm.”
  • MH SA07 Muswell Hill telephone exchange, Grand Avenue, N10. 15 homes. Proposal: “This former telephone exchange building is suitable for conversion to residential development with potential for modest extensions to create additional accommodation.”
  • MH SA08 Royal British Legion Hall, Muswell Hill Road, N10. 20 homes. Proposal: “The site is suitable for new residential development alongside re-provision and enhancement of the existing community facility. “
  • MH SA09 Farrer Mews (at the junction of Park Road and Priory Road, N8) 15 homes. Proposal: “Enhance the Priory Road and Park Road local centre through retention of the existing shopping parade and residential above on the main high streets with improved public realm incorporating street trees and soft landscaping. Replacement of low-rise garages and temporary structures along Farrer Mews with high-quality residential infill and public realm improvements throughout the mews.”
  • MH SA10 Woodridings Court at the very edge of the Alexandra Park ward, N22. At least 33 homes. Proposal: “Redevelopment of the derelict undercroft car park behind Woodridings Court and provision of at least 33 new homes in four and five-storey buildings alongside a range of linked improvements to Woodridings Court.”
  • MH SA11 Crescent Mews, N22. At least 30 homes. Proposal: “Demolition of existing poor condition commercial buildings and redevelopment of the site to provide at least 30 new homes and a new paved and landscaped lane at the front of the development with street lighting.”

NEXT STEPS

We will continue to consider the draft plan. The immediate concern is that the loss of the only two town centre car parks would be detrimental to the continued vitality and well-being of the businesses in the town centre. The Committee will therefore object to these two items and urge members who share the concern about the harmful consequences the loss of the car parks could have on our cherished town centre to do likewise, so hopefully we can nip the ideas in the bud at this early stage. Follow this link https://haringeynewlocalplan.commonplace.is/proposals/v3/mh-sa01-summerland-gardens-car-park?step=step1