Tottenham to become 'clone town' now Wards Corner development approved (From Haringey Independent)

Tottenham to become 'clone town' now Wards Corner development approved

5:20pm Tuesday 26th June 2012 in News By Hermione Wright

An impression representing how Wards Corner will look after development.

Tottenham is set to become a “clone town” after a £65million development has been waived through by Haringey Council, according to a councillor.

Councillor David Schmitz has condemned last night’s decision at a council planning meeting to permit a development at Wards Corner above Seven Sisters Tube station.

The Liberal Democrat politician said: “A landmark condemned, a clone-town building approved, a conservation area disfigured, family businesses displaced, families made homeless, and all of it rushed through to pre-empt a an impartial enquiry set to look at the issues properly and come to a reasoned decision.”

Councillors debated the future of the site for four hours last night in a meeting in Wood Green Civic Centre in High Road, which lasted until 1am.

However, Councillor Alan Strickland, cabinet member for economic development and social inclusion, applauded the decision to transform Wards Corner into a hub of restaurants, shops and 196 new homes.

He said: “It is great news that we are finally in a position to move forward with these plans for Seven Sisters.

“Business as usual is not an option for Seven Sisters. We need significant change to bring the area into the 21st century and give it the improvements it deserves.”

He said it is the responsibility of the council to act in the “best interests” of all the people in Tottenham and to deliver their ambitions while breathing new life into Seven Sisters.

He added: “It will also play a leading role in our long-term vision for the wider transformation of Tottenham which will see increased investment and vitality to create a place people feel proud to belong to.

“I’m grateful to all of the residents and traders who took the time to share their views at last night’s planning committee.

"We are committed to supporting affected traders and I look forward to working with them and with the local community as we move forward.”

Work on the site, which includes Tottenham High Road, West Green Road, Suffield Road and the Wards Corner building, is expected to start by developers Grainger within the next five years.