PLANNING 2021
MHFGA 2021 ANNUAL REPORT
During the period 04/05/2020 and 23/04/2021 on behalf of the Association I have reviewed in the region of 321 planning applications concerning the Alexandra, Fortis Green and Muswell Hill Wards and objected to 12 of them. This level of activity is comparable with the last three years.
My remit does not extend to Conservation Areas within the Wards although I review all applications and will make representations to Haringey if an application is for, or includes, the creation of crossover and / or front garden parking.
The extension of Permitted Development rights by central Government is an area of concern as no Planning Consent is required for a permitted development. Such rights have existed for some time for relatively minor developments however recently they have been, or may shortly be, extended to such matters as the demolishing of vacant offices for residential development and the conversion of high street units for residential purposes. Permitted Development also allows the upward extension of dwellings and blocks of flats by up to two storeys provided stated criteria are met and prior approval for certain elements obtained. Although there are limitations the net affect of Permitted Development is to take away the power of a local authority to refuse and therefore control, development in its area.
Haringey failed to meet housing targets imposed by Government in January this year and consequently has had its planning powers restricted and must now consider applications with “presumption in favour of sustainable development” which could mean that developers will find it easier to obtain planning consent and win appeals.
The above are consistent with Central Governments push for more housing however they shift the planning dynamic in favour of development and the consequences for the built environment and the community generally may not be all positive.
The following are examples of matters where the Association has objected in the last twelve months:
St MATTHEWS COURT, 7b COPPETTS ROAD, LONDON, N10 1NW
An application for prior approval to matters relating to the addition of two storeys to the current buildings pursuant to the 2020 legislation referred to above. The Association has objected to approval being granted and argued that the scheme may require an application for each of the four blocks of flats. The outcome is not known at the time of writing this report.
22 ALBERT ROAD, N22 7AQ
A refused application for a dropped kerb and formation of a vehicle crossover.
The Associations was the only objection.
RISBOROUGH CLOSE, MUSWELL HILL, LONDON N10 3PL
The developer of this block of flats made two further applications during the year; the first for a small one bed extension alongside the Parkland Walk and the second to create a further storey to the side of the building facing Muswell Hill. They were both objected to by the Association however the first was granted consent in July and the second has not been determined which may mean it will be determined by the Secretary of State.
Nick Barr, Planning Officer and Vice Chair
planning@mhfga.org