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Sadiq Khan calls in two housing schemes
The mayor of London Sadiq Khan has taken control of two planning applications containing a total of around 700 homes – in his first planning ‘call-in’ since being elected.
City Hall will decide on two planning applications in Haringey and Harrow, which contain both market and affordable housing, and which had previously been rejected by local authorities.
Haringey Council had rejected Muse Developments’ application for up to 505 homes, including a 21-storey tower at Hale Wharf in Tottenham, over concerns that it would be too tall and would adversely impact green belt land.
An application by Origin Housing for 186 homes in Palmerston Road in Wealdstone was also rejected by Harrow Council, as the 17-storey development was deemed too high.
Plans for Hale Wharf currently include 30% affordable housing (up from 9% in the initial application), which could rise to 35% through a review mechanism, according to the Greater London Authority (GLA). Plans for the site in Palmerston Road in Wealdstone currently include 41% affordable housing.
Both sites sit within designated Opportunity Areas and Housing Zones.
Mr 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.”
The mayor will consider both schemes at representation hearings that will be held later in the year, the GLA said.
Sachin Shah, leader of Harrow Council said: “We welcome the mayor’s efforts to make this housing proposal work for Wealdstone. We’re building a better Harrow for everyone and that means more affordable housing as well as well designed buildings that suit our borough.
“I’m sure the mayor will work with developers to produce a scheme that is right for Harrow and our residents.”
UPDATE: The article was amended to include the quotation from Sachin Shah.
