SPURS have been forced to back down and tweak the design of their mammoth stadium development following criticism from heritage and regeneration experts.

The Northumberland Development Project, mooted as the catalyst for regeneration in one of the country's most deprived areas, has been withdrawn from Haringey Council, and a new planning application will be submitted in its place.

Tottenham Hotspur have been forced to look again after English Heritage and Commission for Architecture and the Built Enviroment (Cabe) attacked the design of the area around the stadium.

Concerns were raised particularly about preserving buildings of historical significance, and Cabe said the proposed public square, supermarket and homes that would surround the club's new home looked like "left over space".

Buildings saved under the scheme include the old White Hart Pub, currently Valentino's which would revert to being a pub.

The Red House will be refurbished and turned into a coffee shop, and the Dispensary and Warmington House buildings would both be used as offices.

Chairman Daniel Levy said: "We have used this opportunity to make further design improvements to the scheme.

"Projects of this magnitude involve much time and effort by many parties and we are extremely grateful to everyone who has taken part in the consultation process to date."

He added: "In much the same way as we persevered and delivered the training centre, we remain focussed and committed to delivering a world class, increased capacity stadium, full of atmosphere and creating a thriving new environment on the High Road which would deliver regeneration benefits so important to this part of the borough and the local community."

More than 800 letters of support were submitted from fans, local businesses and community groups, but some of the plans were heavily criticised by the Government’s Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE), English Heritage and other agencies.

Spurs said it hoped the amendments tot he original design, submitted in October 2009, reflected the club's desire to "find the very best solution" for fans and Tottenham.

White Hart Lane, which currently has room for 36,000 fans, and has remained unchanged for over a decade. The waiting list for season tickets amounts to more than 23,000 people.

The existing 36,000 capacity stadium has remained unchanged for over a decade and the Club is currently in the position of having over 70,000 registered club members and a waiting list for season tickets of more than 23,000 people.

If plans are approved, Spurs could have a world-class 58,000 capacity stadium with much-needed housing and a public square all spanning across 20 acres in Northumberland Park.

Other key changes include:

  • A redesign of the southern area of the site including a "stunning" redesign of the hotel and homes
  • A bigger public square on a raised podium stretching from Tottenham High Road to Worcester Avenue, directly connecting into the stadium new Tottenham Hotspur Foundation offices for greater community use and activities
  • A new courtyard setting to house preserved historic buildings in the south, and more trees, gates linking to a terrace of more retained hisrotic buildings to the north
  • Warmington House, a Grade II listed building, and three other locally listed buildings that have with historic links to the club – the Red House, Dispensary and the former White Hart Pub – will all refurbished and brought back to life
  • The introduction of a sky bar and roof garden on a supermarket included in the design, directly linked to the the stadium
  • The famous Bill Nicholson gates will stay, as will the cockerel on the ball clock and golden cockerel