The Planning Sub Committee of Haringey Council was scheduled to discuss a range of planning applications and policy matters. Key items included a significant redevelopment proposal for a timber yard, an update on major ongoing projects, and a review of applications determined under delegated powers.

Planning Protocol

The committee was scheduled to note the council's Planning Protocol 2025¹. This protocol outlines the procedures and conduct expected of members when dealing with planning matters, aiming to ensure consistency, fairness, and openness. It supplements the Members' Code of Conduct and provides guidance on declarations of interest, the conduct of members, and the process for planning sub-committee meetings.

HGY/2025/1769 - Timber Yard, 289-295 High Road, Wood Green, London, N22 8HU

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the proposed redevelopment of the Timber Yard site at 289-295 High Road, Wood Green². The application sought permission for the demolition of existing storage and distribution buildings and the construction of 36 homes across two blocks of varying heights (part three, four, and five storeys) and part two, part three-storey mews buildings. The proposal also included refuse and cycle stores, car parking, and landscaping.

The report pack indicated that the loss of non-designated employment land was considered acceptable due to the provision of much-needed residential housing. The principle of a residential scheme in this accessible location was supported, and the design was described as high quality, aiming to positively repair the urban fabric. The scheme had been reviewed by the Quality Review Panel³ and refined in line with their comments. It was considered not harmful to the character or appearance of the Trinity Gardens Conservation Area⁴ or nearby heritage assets.

A viability assessment suggested the development could not provide affordable housing on-site. However, the applicant had offered a Payment in Lieu of at least £250,000 to compensate for this, which was accepted for greater certainty. The proposed residential mix included 21 one-bedroom, 5 two-bedroom, and 10 three-bedroom homes. The development was planned to be 'car-free' with one accessible parking space provided initially, and provision for two additional bays if needed. Environmentally, the development aimed for a 77% reduction in regulated carbon dioxide emissions through high fabric efficiencies, air source heat pumps, and solar photovoltaic panels. Biodiversity Net Gain requirements were projected to exceed 10%, and the Urban Greening Factor score was expected to surpass the target of 0.40. The scheme was also anticipated to be Air Quality Neutral.

The recommendation was to grant planning permission subject to conditions and the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement⁵ to secure various obligations, including contributions for loss of employment, highways works, affordable housing payment in lieu, carbon mitigation, sustainable transport initiatives, and a car-free agreement.

Update on Major Proposals

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on major proposals in the pipeline⁶. This included information on projects awaiting decision notices following committee resolutions and subsequent Section 106 agreements, applications submitted and awaiting determination, and proposals being discussed at the pre-application stage. Information on any current major planning appeals was also to be provided.

Applications Determined Under Delegated Powers

A report was to be presented detailing planning applications decided under delegated powers⁷ for the period of October 1 to October 31, 2025. This would inform the committee of decisions made by officers on behalf of the council.

Planning Protocol

The committee was scheduled to note the council's Planning Protocol 2025⁸, which outlines the procedures and conduct expected of members when dealing with planning matters. This protocol aims to ensure consistency, fairness, and openness in the planning process.