Haringey Council is set to prioritise residents aged 55 and over for 119 new homes in Tottenham Hale, aiming to address the needs of its ageing population and free up larger family homes. The council anticipates that many of the 119 homes let under the Redwing & Turnstone Local Lettings Plan will go to existing social tenants who will release family-sized properties, reducing the impact on younger individuals and families. The Equality Impact Assessment notes that this impact will be slightly mitigated by an expected increase in larger homes released by existing tenants downsizing from family homes. These homes would be used to house families with up to 5 to 6 children.

The decision, approved by Councillor Sarah Williams, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning (Deputy Leader), on Tuesday, 8 July 2025, involves implementing a Local Lettings Plan for Redwing Court and Turnstone Court, part of the Wingspan development in Tottenham Hale. The contracts shall be awarded for a period of four years, commencing from 1 September 2025, with an option to extend for a further period of up to three years.

The council hopes the plan will address the needs of Haringey's ageing population, as engagement with older residents had revealed there was a strong demand for accessible, safe, and secure home which can be occupied for many years. The council also hopes that the plan will encourage existing tenants in larger homes to downsize, freeing up family-sized properties. Priority is given to social tenants moving to a smaller home or needing adaptations.

The Redwing & Turnstone Local Lettings Plan will enable older residents to settle in long-term suitable homes with level access and accessible features. For homes with a wet room, the applicant (or a member of their household) must have a medical need for these adaptions.

The plan sets out eligibility criteria and a priority order for allocating the homes, including:

  • The lead applicant must be 55 or over.
  • Priority is given to social tenants moving to a smaller home or needing adaptations, followed by applicants in Bands A and B of the Housing Register also choosing to move.
  • After priority groups have been considered, homes can be offered to applicants in temporary accommodation.

The council rejected an alternative option of not setting out a Lettings Plan, as it was felt that existing arrangements would not sufficiently encourage downsizing or provide a new housing offer for older people. An Equality Impact Assessment and Consultation Report were noted as part of the decision.