The Cabinet Member Signing meeting on Thursday 23 July 2026 approved proposals for new bus routes serving the Heartlands development in Wood Green. The meeting also agreed to implement traffic management orders to facilitate these changes.

Heartlands Bus Proposals for Routes 91, N91 and 232

The Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Transport, Councillor Gio Iozzi, approved the implementation of new bus routes and associated highway changes to serve the new Heartlands development in Wood Green. These changes will facilitate the extension of Transport for London (TfL) bus routes 91, N91, and 232, which will serve the approximately 2,000 new homes being built on the former gas works site.

The decision involved considering feedback and objections received during a statutory consultation on proposed traffic management orders. Councillor Iozzi agreed not to hold a public inquiry and approved the implementation of the proposals, with a revised plan for the bus stand on Coburg Road. This revised plan extends the bus stand from 12 metres to 23 metres to accommodate two buses simultaneously, following a request from TfL. The making of all necessary traffic management orders (TMOs) for parking, waiting, and loading changes was also approved, authorising the Head of Highways and Traffic to implement these changes.

The reasons for the decision highlighted that TfL consulted on changes to four bus routes serving Wood Green High Road and Turnpike Lane in late 2023. TfL subsequently decided in March 2024 to implement its proposals, which would see routes 91/N91 and 232 serving the Heartlands development. Route 232 will have a temporary route until 2028, with permanent changes thereafter. The new routes will operate via Mayes Road, Coburg Road, Western Road, Mary Neuner Road, and Clarendon Road. TfL plans to remove route 123 from Wood Green High Road. To facilitate these new routes, Haringey Council needed to implement changes to the identified roads.

The report noted that the Council's Transport Strategy (2018) aims to connect communities and workplaces, manage growth impacts, and reduce carbon emissions by prioritising sustainable transport. The proposals align with this strategy by providing accessible public transport infrastructure close to the new development, which is designed to be car free/car capped. The removal of parking spaces was deemed necessary to facilitate the smooth operation of the buses, with officers stating that sufficient car parking would remain in the area.

During the consultation period, 81 responses were received, with objections primarily focusing on the loss of parking spaces, potential increases in traffic and congestion, noise disturbance, and air quality concerns. Specific objections were raised regarding the location of bus stops, particularly on Mary Neuner Road, with residents expressing concerns about noise, privacy, and safety, especially for children and vulnerable individuals. Some residents also noted a discrepancy between the initial consultation materials, which mentioned a bus stop outside Beeley House, and the revised plans indicating Goldcrest House. The council acknowledged this error and issued a correction letter.

One resident, writing in support of the proposals, highlighted the increased safety they would feel returning home alone after dark, the improved accessibility for those with disabilities or young children, and the environmental benefits of promoting public transport.

The decision was classified as a non-key decision as it did not involve expenditure exceeding £500,000, a contract award, or significant impact across multiple wards. The total cost for implementing the changes was £30,000, to be met from the Housing Department budget.

The report also detailed the statutory consultation process undertaken in accordance with The Local Authorities' Traffic Orders (Procedure) (England and Wales) Regulations 1996, including notification to residents, businesses, and statutory consultees. The council considered all objections and feedback received, providing officer comments and recommended responses. The decision was made in consideration of the Council's duties under section 122 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, which includes securing the expeditious, convenient, and safe movement of traffic and pedestrians, and promoting sustainable transport.

The proposals were considered to support the Council's Corporate Delivery Plan 2022-2024, particularly in relation to resident experience, climate emergency response, and placemaking. The implementation of these changes is expected to improve bus journey flow, promote bus travel as a sustainable transport mode, and contribute to better air quality and reduced congestion, aligning with the Mayor of London's Transport Strategy and Haringey's own transport policies.

The report also included comments from statutory officers, including Finance, Legal, and Equality, confirming that the proposals would be met from the Housing Department budget and that no individual human rights would be infringed. The Equality Act 2010 considerations were addressed, with the proposals generally expected to have a positive impact on individuals with protected characteristics by improving accessibility and promoting sustainable transport.

The decision notice can be found in the Decisions 23rd-Jul-2026 09.00 Cabinet Member Signing.pdf. The full reports pack is available at Public reports pack 23rd-Jul-2026 09.00 Cabinet Member Signing.pdf, and the agenda can be viewed at Agenda frontsheet 23rd-Jul-2026 09.00 Cabinet Member Signing.pdf.