The Planning Sub Committee of Haringey Council was scheduled to discuss a full planning application for the demolition of existing buildings at Mallard Place, Coburg Road, Wood Green, N22 6TS, to deliver 150 new council homes and flexible workspace. The committee was also set to consider an application to vary conditions attached to a previous planning permission for the Berol Quarter development in Tottenham Hale, N17 9LJ, which sought to alter the approved drawings and reduce the level of affordable housing. An update on other major proposals in the borough was also scheduled.

Mallard Place, Coburg Road, Wood Green, N22 6TS

The committee was scheduled to consider a full planning application for the demolition of existing buildings at Mallard Place to allow for a new development. This development was planned to comprise 150 new council homes, designated as Use Class C3, and flexible workspace, Use Class E. The proposal included the erection of a 22-storey building with an 8-storey wing, and a 14-storey building with a 6-storey wing. Alongside the residential and commercial elements, the plans also included public realm improvements, soft and hard landscaping, cycle parking, blue badge parking, servicing and delivery details, and refuse and recycling provision.

The report highlighted that the proposed scheme followed a design-led approach, capitalising on the site's accessible location to deliver 100% social rent homes. This was seen as a significant contribution to the Borough's affordable housing targets and the creation of a mixed and balanced community, aligning with local and strategic planning policies. The redevelopment of this brownfield site was intended to provide a high-quality, mixed-use development that responded appropriately to the local context and growth area. The plans also included 539 square metres of commercial floorspace, secured as affordable workspace, which was estimated to potentially generate 28 jobs. The report detailed the size, mix, and quality of the proposed homes, noting that all flats would have private external amenity space. Concerns regarding potential harm to the significance of the Wood Green Common Conservation Area were assessed, with the report concluding this harm would be less than substantial and outweighed by the public benefits. The development was also expected to achieve a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions over Building Regulations Part L 2021, provide appropriate carbon reduction measures, and include a carbon offsetting payment, alongside site drainage and a Biodiversity Net Gain of 100%. Several planning obligations were outlined, including financial contributions for various improvements such as off-site child playspace provision, street trees, and employment and skills initiatives. A comprehensive list of recommended conditions and informatives was provided, covering aspects from time limits and approved plans to materials, landscaping, energy strategy, and flood risk management.

Berol Quarter, Ashley Road, Tottenham Hale, N17 9LJ

The committee was scheduled to consider an application made under Section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to vary Condition 2 of a previous planning permission (HGY/2023/0261). The primary aim of this application was to alter the approved drawings to show inward opening doors at the roof level of 2 Berol Yard, instead of the previously permitted glass panels. Crucially, the application also sought to alter the permitted level of affordable housing, proposing to change 60 intermediate affordable homes to market sale.

The report detailed that the original permission had secured 35% affordable housing by habitable room, comprising London Living Rent (LLR) and Discount Market Rent (DMR) homes. The proposed variation would remove these affordable housing obligations, with the applicant arguing that current market conditions make the delivery of on-site affordable housing unviable. A viability assessment, independently reviewed, confirmed that the development could not provide affordable housing. As a compromise, the applicant offered a Payment in Lieu (PiL) of £1,534,050.00 to compensate for the removal of affordable housing and review mechanisms. The report also outlined other public benefits of the permitted scheme that would remain, including a high-quality housing and commercial development, a landmark tall building, significant employment opportunities, a community cultural and arts space, a new bridge head, public realm improvements, and estimated carbon offsetting contributions. A lengthy list of recommended conditions and informatives was provided, covering a wide range of aspects from time limits and approved plans to energy strategy, biodiversity, and construction logistics.

Update on Major Proposals

The committee was also scheduled to receive an update on major proposals in the pipeline. This would include information on applications awaiting the issue of decision notices following committee resolutions and subsequent Section 106 agreements, applications submitted and awaiting determination, and proposals being discussed at the pre-application stage. This item was intended to keep members informed about significant developments across the borough.