Richard Wilson

Unfortunately, the Planning Committee ran out of time last night and we weren’t able to discuss the planning application for Hornsey School for Girls.  I presume it will now go on the agenda for the next regular planning meeting on 8th December (hopefully much nearer the start – so that we reach it this time!).

I’m fairly new to the Committee, but it does seem to me that the way it handles its business could be improved.  It must be infuriating for residents to have to sit through hours of debate on other applications to then be told that the proposal they are concerned about won’t be reached.  Local residents deserve to be treated better.

The site of the proposed extension

This morning, along with other councillors on the Planning Committee, I visited the site of the controversial planning application to extend Hornsey Girls School up to the pavement on Inderwick Road.  The plans go to Planning Committee on Monday evening, and council planning officers are recommending we approve the application.

Obviously, I won’t be making up my mind on the application until I have heard all the presentations on the night.  However, the visit was a good opportunity to discuss the issues with officers, and to see how the plans relate to the houses on Inderwick Road.

I lobbied to ensure the visit happened as I think it is important that committee members see the site (some of whom represent very different parts of Haringey – so may not be as familiar with the road as local councillors).  This is particular important as, although it is brilliant that the school is being invested in, I know some aspects of the proposal are controversial amongst many local residents.