Haringey Council's Planning Sub Committee has approved an application for short-term emergency accommodation at 312 High Road, Tottenham. The proposal involves the refurbishment, conversion, and extension of the existing building, along with the construction of two new single-storey buildings to the rear, to create 52 units of partially self-contained, short-term emergency housing. These units will provide crucial support for individuals facing a range of emergency situations requiring immediate housing.

The applicant, who has owned the property for many years, assured the committee that a detailed management plan would be submitted with the application and secured under a legal agreement. This plan would address security measures and prioritise Haringey residents for the accommodation, ensuring fair and equitable access for those in need. The legal agreement will obligate the owner to offer the temporary accommodation to Haringey residents first.

Key points discussed during the meeting included:

  • Applicant Experience: The applicant has 30 years of experience in this field and operates a similar 35-unit facility in Newham.
  • Security: The facility will have 24/7 security with two security staff on-site at all times, and potentially up to 6-7 staff during the day.
  • Resident Prioritisation: A legal agreement will ensure that Haringey residents are offered the temporary accommodation first.
  • Design Considerations: The applicant acknowledged the benefit of a landscape architect's input, particularly for outdoor spaces, and committed to quality brickwork and accessible green roofs.
  • Resident Mix: The facility will accommodate a mix of people in various circumstances, with fees set by the Council, likely between £45 and £55 per night, with the higher rate for wheelchair-accessible units.
  • Retail Use: The applicant plans to bring back a retail use on the ground floor to engage with the street and the public. The applicant is proposing to bring back a retail use on the ground floor so that there would be some clear communication with the street and the retail frontage, this would be open to the public.

Principal Planning Officer Kwaku Bossman- Gyamera introduced the planning application to the committee.