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Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!

Turning houses into studios in the Ladder-Tell the Council what you think

Hi, I thought that the idea behind not being able to convert houses into flats in the Ladder was to avoid overcrowding, more traffic problems, more wheelie bins in front gardens, etc

I have received a letter from Haringey Council asking for my views on the planning application submitted by the owners of 41 Umfreville Road to create a studio flat from their basement (to let out, I assume). The house already seems to have been converted into two, maybe three flats, so the studio would be a third or fourth flat from an ordinary 3 bed Victorian house...  Why is the Council asking for my views? I thought there were rules in place which does not allow such conversions... Any thoughts please?

For those of you wanting to make your thought known to the Council on the matter, you can do so in the following link: 

http://www.planningservices.haringey.gov.uk/portal/servlets/Applica...

You need to enter the HGY application reference number, which is 2013/2131

Cheers

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Isabelle on October 20, 2013 at 18:32

I don't know if there are any such rules. It's quite common for houses to host one flat per floor, including in basements... Population in London (and on the planet!) is constantly rising, councils are under pressure to create more dwellings, therefore I can't see that 'avoiding overcrowding and traffic problems' is on anyone's agenda.

In a sense you're lucky this is just a studio flat! Where I live planning has agreed for a monster new building (50% bigger than current building) – and, although politely asked for my views, certainly don't care much for my thoughts about it.

Anyway, you're right to seek further answers for your local application, sorry my reply isn't more helpful (but you did request comments).

Permalink Reply by ElleCarumba on October 20, 2013 at 18:56

http://www.harringayonline.com/forum/topics/41-umfreville-road?comm...

This thread from June may be of interest to you

Permalink Reply by Manuel on October 20, 2013 at 23:01

Thanks. Please do. I assume that the Council would have sent letters similar to the one they have sent me to other people living nearby. Please take up with the Council. I have nothing against people extending their houses to make them bigger, but to extend them in order to create another rentable unit in an area where houses cannot be converted into flats must be wrong!

Permalink Reply by James on October 21, 2013 at 9:19

I called the enforcement team several months ago to say that a basement flat was clearly being created and was told they'd done a site visit and that it was actually just underpinning. The 75 skips worth of earth that have been removed was a subtle clue.

Permalink Reply by Zena Brabazon on October 21, 2013 at 10:37

Dear All

I've sent this link to Planning. I've asked for the policies relating to basement conversions and if the new Article 4 applies. I've also asked if there are issues of subsidence in this part of the Ladder.

I've copied in the Council's Environmental Health Department as well since there may already be some history and information regarding this property.

There are also standards and rules regarding room sizes, ventilation etc. which the Council's Private Sector Housing team which is in Environmental Health, will want to know are being applied.  

As local residents you need to file your objections and comments on the website so they are formally recorded. 

I'll keep you updated on the replies I get.

Zena 

______________________

Zena Brabazon

Councillor, St. Ann's Ward

Chair, St. Ann's and Harringay Area Forum and Committee

Permalink Reply by Justin Guest on October 21, 2013 at 11:22

Zena. a quick question you may or may not know he answer to... Can houses be converted to flats on the ladder? I am aware of one at the top of the road that is undergoing such a conversion and I cannot remember any notices outside in relation to planning? I am not sure if this is something best looked at now, or if what they are doing is perfectly legitimate?

Permalink Reply by Stuart on October 21, 2013 at 14:25

No, they cannot. You'd need to get planning permission and the plan for Haringey has a blanket refusal for all conversions on the Ladder. What's the address?

You should phone Planning Enforcement asap to report it, and then follow up with a complaint in writing so you've got a record of it. There's plenty of advice elsewhere on this site on how to stay on top of Enforcement to ensure you get the right result.

Permalink Reply by Zena Brabazon on October 21, 2013 at 14:42

Hi Justin

Just saw your question. Bushy has answered in full. If you give me the address I can also submit a member's enquiry and send an email to Planning Enforcement.

All the best

Zena

____________________________

Zena Brabazon

Councillor, St. Ann's Ward

Chair, St. Ann's and Harringay Area Forum and Committee

Permalink Reply by Justin Guest on October 21, 2013 at 14:43

I will pop up and confirm the number later Zena. Thanks

Permalink Reply by Justin Guest on October 21, 2013 at 17:43

It is number 5 Zena. I will call the Duty Officer tomorrow as I did not get a call back today.

Permalink Reply by Zena Brabazon on October 21, 2013 at 18:24

Hi Justin

Is that 5 Umfreville?

If not, which road is it?

Zena

__________________

Zena Brabazon

Councillor, St. Ann's Ward

Chair, St. Ann's and Harringay Area Forum and Committee

Permalink Reply by Justin Guest on October 21, 2013 at 18:31
5 Pemberton Zena.

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