The Cabinet Member Signing meeting was scheduled to discuss the award of a main works contract for the construction of the Selby Urban Village. This significant development aims to transform the Selby Centre site and Bull Lane Playing Fields into a new neighbourhood featuring council homes, community facilities, and improved green spaces.

Selby Urban Village – Award of Main Works Contract

The primary focus of the meeting was the proposed award of a main works contract for the construction of the Selby Urban Village (SUV). This ambitious project, a partnership between Haringey Council and the Selby Trust, seeks to regenerate the Selby Centre site and Bull Lane Playing Fields in North Tottenham. The development is planned in two phases: Phase One will deliver a new community building, sports pavilion with changing facilities, improved park and sports pitches, a playground, outdoor gym, and cycle routes. Phase Two will focus on constructing 202 new council homes alongside a small commercial unit.

The report pack indicated that planning permission for the development was granted on 1 September 2025 and 16 December 2025. Phase One works were scheduled to commence in March 2026, with completion anticipated by December 2027, and Phase Two works expected to be completed by February 2030.

Key recommendations scheduled for consideration included:

• Approval of Contractor Appointment: Approving the appointment of a specific contractor (referred to as Contractor A in the documents) for the main works contract for both phases of the Selby Urban Village.
• Value Engineering: Noting a target value engineering cost saving for Phase One, which was described as critical to the project's affordability within its funding strategy.
• Land Appropriation: Approving the appropriation of land designated for Phase One and Phase Two works from the General Fund for planning purposes. This process, under Section 122 of the Local Government Act 1972, is necessary to facilitate the construction works. The report also sought approval for the appropriation of land back to the General Fund for community and sports facilities, and for housing purposes, following the completion of the respective phases.
• Overriding Third-Party Rights: Approving the use of the Council's powers under Section 203 of the Housing and Planning Act 2016 to override easements and other third-party rights and interests related to the development land. This power allows for compensation to be paid to affected parties instead of an injunction preventing the development.
• Community Centre Lease: Approving in principle a minimum lease term for the new community centre to the Selby Trust. This recommendation also involved delegating authority to finalise Heads of Terms and enter into associated legal agreements. The report noted that this lease agreement would be subject to Secretary of State consent and Subsidy Advice Unit reporting due to the proposed rental subsidy.
• Secretary of State Consent and Subsidy Control: Approving the submission of an application to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government for specific consent to dispose of the new community centre lease at less than best consideration, and the submission of a referral under the Subsidy Control Act 2022 regarding the proposed rental subsidy.

The report highlighted that the Selby Urban Village project aligns with the Council's commitment to building more affordable, high-quality council homes, with over 200 new homes planned. It also emphasised the development's focus on sustainability, aiming for a minimum 10% uplift in biodiversity and achieving 'zero carbon' targets for regulated CO2 emissions. The project is also seen as a significant contributor to the Council's 'Shaping Tottenham' strategy, aiming to enhance North Tottenham as a destination for sports, leisure, and healthy living.

The report also referenced previous Cabinet decisions, including the approval to tender for the construction of the Selby Urban Village on 15 July 2025¹, and the receipt of grant funding from the Football Foundation.