Khan gives the go-ahead for previously refused resi schemes

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has given the green light for two residential developments that were refused planning permission by their respective local authorities.    The applications for Hale Wharf in Haringey, N17, and Palmerston Road in Harrow, Middlesex (pictured above), were the first to be called in by the mayor. Both are high-density schemes near transport hubs in outer London locations. Hale Wharf proposes 505 homes, at least 177 of which are affordable. [caption id="attachment_875677" align="aligncenter" width="847"] Hale Wharf, Haringey[/caption] There are 186 homes planned at Palmerston Road, 74 of which will be affordable. Khan said: “Having carefully considered all the evidence available to me, I am confident both these high-density developments will deliver hundreds of the much-needed, genuinely affordable homes Londoners need in areas of the capital ripe for further development.” However, London Assembly member Tony Devenish said the call in was a “huge slap in the face” for local democracy. He said: “These decisions not only contradict Sadiq Khan’s commitment to respect London Boroughs’ democratic autonomy in planning decisions, they also categorically break his pledge for 50% affordable housing.” “During his election campaign, Sadiq Khan criticised the former Deputy Mayor of London for being too pro high rise. Now he has u-turned, run rough-shod over locally elected councillors and approved two hideous 17 and 21-storey towers. “These are worrying signs for the future standard of house building in the capital and suggest the Mayor is willing to rubber stamp anything to get his so far dismal house-building record off the ground.” To send feedback, e-mail alex.peace@egi.co.uk or tweet @egalexpeace or @estatesgazette