Nearly eight months into the job and mayor of London Sadiq Khan has called in his first two schemes. Using mayoral powers, Khan will now decide the fate of Hale Wharf, N17, and Palmerston Road, HA3. Together, they could provide nearly 700 homes.
Both schemes went to planning committee towards the end of 2016, Haringey and Harrow respectively, where they were refused consent, going against the advice and recommendation of planning officers.
Muse Developments’ plan for 505 homes, including a 21-storey tower at Hale Wharf, was refused over concerns that it would be too tall and would adversely affect green belt land. Some 30% of the homes would be affordable. Of the 355 private homes, 247 would be for outright sale and 108 would be for the build-to-rent market.
Similarly, Origin Housing’s Palmerston Road scheme was rejected as the 17-storey tower was deemed too tall. This scheme would provide 186 homes in total, 41% of them affordable.
Crucially, both sites sit within designated opportunity areas and housing zones.
Khan, said: “These developments have the potential to bring real benefits as part of the wider regeneration of Tottenham Hale and Wealdstone, including hundreds of genuinely affordable new homes. However, each proposal needs work if they are to realise that potential.
“I have asked my planning team to work with both local authorities to bring forward revised proposals that could produce better schemes that will protect the green belt from development and will deliver much-needed affordable housing.”
It is understood the changes to the schemes will be substantial enough to address the concerns, without the need for entirely new schemes. A very small part of the Hale Wharf scheme was proposed on green belt land. This is likely to be cut from the revised plans in order to appease green belt campaigners. However, it will not affect the overall plans or numbers greatly.
The mayor will consider both schemes at representation hearings later in the year.
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