Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!

Application to remove last remaining windows of Salisbury Promenade

Almost exactly 100 years after Salisbury Promenade was built (1926), the current owners hve applied to replace the remaining original top floor windows with aluminium ones.

What remains is not gold in heritage terms, but collectively , they are one of the last remnants of Harringay's fast dwindling Green Lanes heritage. I think it's also fair to say that they fit with the architecture and are a pleasant part of Harringay's high street. Their replacement with aluminium would be a real shame.

What currently remains are most of the windows in the north half of the building at the Selale end and all bar three of the top panels of the southern half, above Tesco.

Of what remains, the top panels are the unique parts. Those in the south part included panels depicting what appears to be the cross of St George. There is no colour left in the glass, but an inspection of the full-size 1930 photo of the Woolworth store suggests that the crosses were originally coloured. I've recreated that in the photo of those windows below which was shot from inside the gym today.

The top panels in the northern part of the building are different and the colouring in the glass there appears to have survived. These windows are all blocked on the inside. So it is not possible to properly inspect them. The photo of one section of windows below shows the variety of panels included on this part of the building.

None of the first floor windows have been well maintained. I can understand why the current tenants want them replaced. However, instead of replacing them with aluminium windows, there are a number of more heritage-friendly options which I would urge to Council to oblige the owners to employ.

I have alerted the Hornsey Historical Society's conservation officer in the hope that he might make an intervention. I have also alerted Ian Sygrave at the LCSP who knows Haringey's planning policies as well as any resident. Finally, I copied Cllr. Anna Abela on my email to Ray Rogers so that she is aware of the issue.

I will submit an objection to the planning application but will wait for advice from Ray and Ian as to the grounds on which an objection may be best raised.

Although the application was only circulated by Haringey this week, the official received date is 1st August and the date by which any objections must be made is only 1st September.

The full planning application is on Haringey's website here.

Tags for Forum Posts: salisbury promenade

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Attachments:

Salisbury Promenade Windows.pdf, 1.1 MB

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Permalink Reply by Hugh on August 25, 2024 at 15:43

The HHS's conservation officer couldn't come up with any helpful advice, but, as I said in my original post, Ian Sygrave knows the planning landscape in Haringey as well as any resident and when I contacted him with the news about the windows, he was saddened to learn about the application and happy to bring his knowledge to bear to construct an objection.

I have reproduced the key part of that objection below with his permission. It would be very helpful if any other who also objects to this application can use this as a basis for their objection, but probably best not to copy it outright. Even a short note of a few sentences, explaining that you object and why will be helpful.

To comment, visit the application page, then below the two line paragraph towards the top of the page, click on the 'Comments' tab and finally on the 'Comment' box a little way down the page. Then add your comment. This page gives more info an how to comment should you want it. You can also object by email via planningsupport@haringey.gov.uk. The department direct-dial phone number is 020 8489 5504.

Our members fully understand the need to update and maintain properties in order to keep them in good order, but we also value all of the few remaining historic architectural and design features in the local Harringay area.

The Council Local Plan/Development Management DPD takes a similar view, stating at DM9 that ‘development that conserves and enhances the significance of a heritage asset and its setting will be supported’. The Policy goes on to note that the council will have regard to ‘the preservation or reinstatement of original or historic form, fabric, functions or character of the asset and its setting’ (DM9Cc). Finally, the policy states the important point that the ‘incremental loss of architectural and other design details has a cumulative negative impact on the integrity of the historic environment. Where opportunities arise through new development, proposals should seek to reinstate or restore original features … DM9, 2.61 (all underlining my own).

In this context of planning policy and the current application, our members believe it would be a serious and significant loss if the suite of (coloured) glass windows were to be removed and replaced by characterless aluminium ones. The existing windows are one of the last remaining elements of Harringay’s commercial Green Lanes heritage, most of which has been swept away by new shop fronts and redevelopment. They are a century-old link with the past, having been put in place in 1926. Moreover, they complement the upper floor architecture of the building and form an integral part of the overall art deco design.

Rather than rip out the windows, we would suggest a more sympathetic upgrade, for example by cleaning and repair (where necessary) and additional secondary glazing to ensure insulation and sound protection. There are no doubt other alternative and more heritage friendly methods which could be considered.

In conclusion, we therefore urge the Council to refuse planning permission for this application as it stands, and thank officers for their consideration of this representation.

Application to remove last remaining windows of Salisbury Promenade

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