The Planning Sub Committee of Haringey Council met on Monday 05 October 2026 to discuss a range of planning applications. The committee considered a significant development proposal for the former car wash site on Broad Lane, which involves the demolition of the existing structure and the erection of a new three to nine-storey building comprising commercial and employment space.

Former Car Wash Site, Broad Lane, London N15 4DE

The committee considered planning permission for the demolition of the existing structure at the former car wash site on Broad Lane and the erection of a new three to nine-storey building. This development would provide commercial and employment floor space within Use Classes E(c)(i-iii), E(e), and E(g)(i-iii), along with cycle and refuse storage, Blue Badge parking, and landscaping. The proposal was to be approved subject to a Section 106 legal agreement and conditions.

The assessment indicated that the development would represent sustainable development, aligning with policy objectives for employment, amenity, transport, energy, sustainability, landscaping, biodiversity, flood risk, and air quality. The site is designated as a Locally Significant Industrial Site (LSIS), and the proposal is expected to support and enhance local employment opportunities, contributing to the regeneration of Tottenham Hale and the wider Fountayne Road area. The scheme is anticipated to create approximately 411 full-time equivalent jobs, with a commitment to ensuring at least 20% of employment opportunities during construction and operation are made available to local residents.

Concerns raised by local residents regarding loss of daylight, overlooking, overshadowing, and the building being out of character were addressed in the officer's report. The report detailed that the Daylight and Sunlight Assessment showed impacts were localised and within acceptable parameters, with all habitable rooms tested achieving compliance with BRE daylight distribution criteria. The design incorporates setbacks and obscure glazing to mitigate overlooking and overshadowing. The height and massing were considered appropriate for the evolving urban context of Tottenham Hale, which is identified as a location appropriate for tall buildings.

The development is designed to be car-free, with a single Blue Badge parking space provided. It will also include 50 cycle parking spaces. A Section 106 agreement will secure contributions towards public realm improvements, a demolition and construction logistics and management plan, a business car-free agreement, a commercial travel plan, employment and skills initiatives, and street tree planting. The development is also expected to achieve a 37% reduction in on-site carbon dioxide emissions, with further contributions for offsetting remaining emissions.

During the discussion, Councillor Kaushika Amin raised concerns about ensuring local employment opportunities were high quality, in terms of pay, working hours, and length of employment. Catherine Smith, Head of Development Management and Planning Enforcement, explained that while direct control over full-time employment is limited, the council encourages developers to prioritise local recruitment, and the Section 106 agreement focuses on construction and demolition phases for apprenticeships and training.

Councillor Melanie Gingell questioned the massing and height of the development, asking what persuaded officers of its acceptability. Richard Truscott, a Design Officer, explained that the site is on the edge of the emerging high-rise cluster of Tottenham Hale and that the surrounding area already features buildings of considerable height. He noted that the design steps down in height towards the residential properties of Esin Court.

Councillor Sue Jameson inquired about the accessibility and use of the green roof and the allocation of Section 106 contributions for public realm improvements. Tanya Skelly, Team Manager, confirmed that only the roof garden is accessible and that contributions are intended for active travel and street tree planting.

Councillor John Bevan raised concerns about the adequacy of the single disabled bay and the process for securing local employment and apprenticeships. Catherine Smith reiterated that the transport team deemed one Blue Badge space sufficient due to the site's high public transport accessibility. Regarding employment, she explained that social value officers manage these obligations and that details are managed through a separate team.

The committee discussed the demolition and construction phase, with officers confirming that a Demolition and Construction Logistics and Management Plan would be a condition.

The committee voted to grant planning permission.

Update on Major Proposals

The committee discussed updates on major proposals in the pipeline. Councillor Scott Emery, Chair of the committee, asked for an update on the YMCA application, and Catherine Smith confirmed that it was anticipated to be reported to the planning committee in the first week of December. Councillor John Bevan also enquired about the progress of the 13 Bedford Road application, and it was noted that negotiations on the legal agreement were ongoing.

Applications Determined Under Delegated Powers

The committee was advised of applications decided under delegated powers between 01 August 2026 and 31 August 2026. There were no questions raised on this item.

Date of Next Meeting

The date of the next meeting was noted as 09 November 2026.

The meeting concluded with Councillor Scott Emery noting that the next meeting fell on his birthday.