Issue - meetings

[Report of the Strategic Director for Planning, Regeneration and Development. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Social Inclusion & Sustainability.]

Cabinet are asked to note the outcomes of the Wood Green AAP consultation report, and agree the consultation of an updated draft Wood Green AAP document.

The Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Sustainability introduced the report which set out the response to consultation on the previous ‘preferred option’ AAP consultation, how these have informed the revised draft AAP, and the key changes between the current and the previous version. Cabinet approval was sought to publish the revised ‘preferred option’ draft for a further round of consultation (Regulation 18) prior to confirming the final draft of the AAP (Regulation 19) to take forward for independent examination.

The Cabinet Member further clarified the following:

• The Wood Green Area Action Plan set out the vision for the local area, responding to resident’s aspirations and was not predicated on the HDV coming forward.
• The Challenge facing all town centres due to changing shopping patterns means the shopping centre needs to change to remain competitive in a changing market.
• The Wood Green Area Action Plan was different to Tottenham Area Action Plan and focussed on an economic development plan to bring jobs and work spaces to the borough.

In response to questions from Councillors: Strickland, Ibrahim, Ahmet, Engert, and Carter the following information was provided by the Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Sustainability.

• In relation to arranging a meeting with Page High Residents Association to discuss the future of the estate and to help work up options with the residents; Cllr Goldberg was happy to facilitate the meeting with officers. It was Important to hear residents’ concerns when discussing change. The Caxton Road changes demonstrated how the Council had listened to resident’s views and carried out further studies, and in this case, concluded that the vision could still be achieved without including these homes in the plan. The Plan had been revised accordingly and put forward for further consultation as a result of this action.

• The Cabinet Member reiterated that Sky City and Page’s High housing estates would be treated separately and the Council would work with the Housing Association landlords and their residents to find the right solution for each family. It was further important for all stakeholders/ partners in Wood Green to work with residents on plans going forward.

• Priority should be given to the provision of affordable housing rather than retaining the Civic Centre site for Council use in Wood Green Town Centre.

• It was important to read the Wood Green Strategic Regeneration Framework in conjunction with AAP as this set out the economic benefit of the AAP for residents. This document responds to challenges on: liveability in Wood Green, the fear of crime in the area, need to increase public spaces and job opportunities for people in the local area.

• People wanted better homes and jobs and the Council were listening to the residents of Noel Park. There was currently £23m investment in decent homes

• No meetings with organisations or resident’s groups in Wood Green had been refused. It was important to note that the AAP was not a plan for demolition but a Plan to enable development to come forward.

• Any future development/refurbishment plans  ...  view the full minutes text for item 146