In a move aimed at increasing affordable housing, Haringey Council has approved a new construction project at an undisclosed location. The decision was made during a Cabinet Member Signing meeting on 4 December 2025, where Councillor Sarah Williams, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning (Deputy Leader), approved the appointment of Contractor A to undertake the new build works.

The project is designed to provide safe and secure accommodation, according to the Printed Minutes of the meeting. To facilitate the development, Councillor Williams also approved the appropriation of the land from housing to planning purposes, allowing the council to override any third-party rights or interests, subject to appropriate engagement with affected parties. The land will be re-appropriated back to housing use upon completion of the development.

The council considered not proceeding with the development, but decided against it because the scheme would contribute to the Council's commitment to deliver high-quality, affordable provision in Haringey. The definition of 'affordable provision' is set out in the exempt part of the report.

Several resolutions were passed to enable the project, including:

  • Approving the appointment of Contractor A for the new build works.
  • Approving the rents for the new accommodation, which are set out in section 1.5 of the exempt part of the report.
  • Approving the appropriation of land from housing to planning purposes under Section 122 of the Local Government Act 1972.
  • Approving the use of the Council's powers under Section 203 of the Housing and Planning Act 2016 to override any easements and other third-party rights and interests relating to the land. The affected parties are those with easements and other third-party rights and interests relating to the land.
  • Delegating authority to the Corporate Director of Culture, Strategy and Communities, in consultation with the Corporate Director of Finance and Resources, to agree and make any necessary compensation payments arising from valid claims relating to third-party rights affected by the development.
  • Approving the appropriation of the land from planning purposes back to the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) for housing purposes under Section 19 of the Housing Act 1985 upon practical completion of the development.
  • Approving the total scheme cost, which is set out in the exempt part B of the report.
  • Approving the issuance of a Letter of Intent for up to 10% of the contract value.