Green light for North London apartments following successful planning appeal

Permission has been granted for the development of three apartments in Wood Green, North London, following a successful appeal by planning, design and development consultancy Marrons.

Plans to convert a five-bed house of multiple occupation above a restaurant in Turnpike Lane into three separate apartments by removing a temporary ground-floor structure and building a three-storey extension were turned down by Haringey Council in February 2024.

As part of the appeal, Marrons implemented a strategy that included proactively making amendments to the original application on behalf of the developer – including the creation of an outdoor space to address amenity concerns – and the scheme was granted permission by the Planning Inspectorate in August 2024. Sachin Parmar, planning director at Marrons, said: “While we are delighted permission for this scheme has now, rightfully, been granted, it is disappointing and frustrating that the developer was forced in the appeal arena by a local authority that emphatically refused the application without any discussion or dialogue.

“However, we were determined to see it through and approached the appeal with fresh ideas, resolving issues by reworking the floor plan, adding an attractive area of outdoor amenity space and incorporating a green wall – matters that could have been easily resolved within the application process had the council engaged with objective analysis.

“This highlights the importance of strategic planning and determination and shows how effective planning and strong evidence can overcome initial refusals.”

A local housing needs assessment, conducted by Marrons as part of the appeals process, confirmed there has been a significant shortfall in the provision of housing in the borough, which has manifest itself into year-on-year increases in council waiting lists, spiralling costs of housing, and more than 2,000 households with children living in temporary accommodation.

Located a five-minute walk away from Turnpike Lane underground station and ten-minutes from Hornsey Station, the mid-terrace building will produce a two-bedroom apartment on the first floor, a one-bedroom apartment on the second floor, and a studio apartment on the third floor.

Sachin said: “The council is in a dire situation with regards to unmet housing need. Small-scale developments that utilise brownfield land to bring forward much-needed housing can make an important contribution to supply and should therefore be considered in this context.

“The scheme will contribute towards addressing the housing shortage in Haringey by turning an underused site into high-quality living spaces for small families and first-time buyers, and its highly sustainable area will enable future residents to utilise excellent public transport links and active travel. It will also keep the restaurant as part of the vibrant local community and high street.”