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Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!

I have been made aware that the Ladder appears to be in the midst of something of an renewed onslaught by developers who are turning houses into multiple occupation properties.

What's the Problem?

All local communities, as communities, want to be sustainable. A key factor in a population’s ability to be sustainable is its willingness and ability to sustain that community. This means a longer-term commitment to an area. HMOs are usually associated with transience. Transient populations are far less likely to have regard to the longer term well-being of an area.

There are also more immediate effects usually experienced by residents live around HMOs. Many of the HMOs in Harringay are established without planning permission and licensing. This often means poor conditions. This in itself is undesirable. In some instances it also means that houses become occupied with groups of people who are far from model neighbours.

An HMO in Warham Road recently hit the headlines when its owner was in court facing charges of running a brothel with women kept as prostitutes against their will. Another HMO became a hangout for local and West End pickpockets. Not every HMO will suffer this fate, but enough do for residents to become uncomfortable.

What's the Solution?
The LCSP are working against the situation. In July last year they produced a blueprint for the council to tackle the issue. However on the ground there are constraints arising from the law and the willingness or ability of Haringey Council to impose and enforce action.

What can you Do?

You should stay aware of what's happening in your street. Sudden intense building activity, sometimes preceded by apparently innocuous planning applications can mean conversion work is going on. This can be reported to Haringey's Planning Enforcement Department at 0208 489 5123/8236. You may well need to keep on top of a case once reported.

Tags for Forum Posts: Wightman Road, hmos, housing, ladder, planning

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Replies to This Discussion

That's a big starter. I'm afraid to ask what's for mains! :)
Well, meeting regularly with the local MP and lobbying against the national legislation which appears to side with the developers.
Joining a London wide campaign to fight inadequate housing and being involved in a process that builds a strong and stable community with a diverse mix of old and young, rich and poor , from all backgrounds.
And for dessert, a big chocolate pudding with hot fudge sauce!
You don't always sue for money. I am certainly not talking about taking money away from the council and putting it in our pockets. If you win a suit you have power over the loser to force them to do what you want. You can be unimaginative and settle for cash or you can get a judge to make them do their job.

Honestly a lot of what we complain about is just nimbyism but this is really serious. Greedy people are flouting the law and the council are LETTING them.

All those in favour of seeking legal help, say aye.
> Honestly a lot of what we complain about is just nimbyism

Oh so true!
We have recently completed a comprehensive audit on the `Ladder` including Wightman Road of all properties with three or more door buzzers. This is to be passed on to the Council.

Thought you might like to know
Would about habitatable buildings at the back of houses? They don't have a door bell out front. I reported my neighbours to the council again yesterday and also to the counsellor recommended on here.
No doubt. We decided against asking our PCSO`s to clamber over back gardens though (wink).
I`m sure you understand.
Thanks for this update Glyn. Are you able to give us some idea of numbers? (not details obviously)

Colin, glad you've got Karen involved. You do make a good point about less obvious dwellings, (a friend reported a garage where it was obvious that people were sleeping) which I will raise at the next LCSP meeting. Perhaps if people are reading this and are aware of such properties they will be more prepared to report them to councillors.
I havnt got the figures to hand but I believe it was about ten a road. Doesnt sound a lot but statistics can be made to look good or bad.

Put it as 7/8 % and it suddenly sounds worse doesnt it
A thought: do all the HMOs have bells?

I ask only because the one opposite me (I'm Anette's neighbour so suspect you can guess the one I mean) doesn't seem to have any doorbells. I'll check this but have always assumed they were missing because of the number of people I hear shouting for occupants rather than ringing a bell!
Alison, that's correct. I have been in touch with the police and also the coucil, and asked that they get on to the landlord to at least get doorbells installed. I'll follow up. I guess you're referring to the Sunday 4am shout fest for "Dan" and "Tasha"? ARGH!
Oh yes ... And one the other morning at around one, John said (I didn't wake, o joy).

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