On Saturday 29 March 2025 the annual general meeting of the Crouch End Neighbourhood Forum (CENF) was held and attended by over sixty people.

AGM reports

Mark Afford; Chair of the forum opened the meeting and provided a verbal update on recent developments related to Hornsey Town Hall. Representatives of Far East Consortium (FEC) were invited to attend the AGM but unfortunately declined.

Mark then provided an overview regarding the purpose of a Crouch End Neighbourhood Plan, and in the context of the emerging London Borough of Haringey Local Plan.

Neighbourhood Plan

Members of CENF then provided updates on the emerging vision and policies of the Plan.

Economy: Fergus Redican and Will Chan

Policies should create and sustain a vibrant and diverse local economy that benefits the Crouch End community, supports local business and enhances the unique character of the area. Policies should encourage employment opportunities through floorspace provision in redevelopment. New development or redevelopment should also contribute positively to the environments through well-designed shopfronts and signage, and proposals that enhance vitality and viability through improved public realm. Pop-ups and temporary meanwhile uses are to be encouraged.

Transport: David Blackman

Improved transport underpins many efforts to improve the economic and environmental sustainability of Crouch End. Policies should encourage more sustainable modes of transport, including improving the environment for pedestrians and cyclists. Policies should support the widening of pavements along Tottenham Lane and along other throughfares, and support the reduction of vehicular dominance in the centre of Crouch End. Although, redevelopment may have minor impact on delivering the objectives of the transport policies they will contribute to Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and eagerly anticipated public realm improvements in the centre of Crouch End.

Character & Design: Mark Afford

Policies should ensure that development proposals are a high quality of design and preserve and enhance the Conservation Areas. This includes improvement to the public realm through widening of pavements, narrowing of carriageways and planting of new trees. In addition, policies should ensure that existing and traditional shop fronts are preserved, and new ones respect the traditional design. Mark also presented an overview of the character areas of Crouch End which will support policies in the plan.

Housing: Janet Sutherland and Sue Cooper

Policies should protect and enhance the existing residential character of Crouch End, supporting a diverse and balanced, inclusive and sustainable community and in specifically the provision of affordable housing. Particular emphasis was placed on ensuring developers adhere to Building Regulations and that housing is M4(2) compliant to ensure accessible and adaptable dwellings. Endorsement and support was given to LB of Haringey future assessment and policy for the needs of older residents.

Environment: Rob Jackson

Policies should create and sustain attractive green streets and open spaces, which encourage a thriving natural environment, outdoor life and leisure activities. Policies should protect through designation a number of smaller local spaces throughout Crouch End, and support the protection of existing trees and promote the planting of new trees.

Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL): Nick Hobbs

Nick set out priorities for the use of CIL to improve the centre of Crouch End.

This included:

• widened pavements on The Broadway, Tottenham Lane and Topsfield Parade
• improved pedestrian crossings and accessibility on The Broadway
• dedicated south-bound cycle route on Crouch End Hill
• creation of new parklets
• planting of new street trees
• monitors for air quality

Online Engagement Platform: Marcus Adams

Marcus introduced the launch of a online platform to enable the residents of Crouch End to comment on ideas for the centre.

CENF Committee

The following were re-elected to the committee: Mark Afford, Rob Jackson, Janet Sutherland, Sue Cooper, Fergus Redican, Will Chan, Nick Hobbs, David Blackman, and Marcus Adams.

Nominations for new members of the committee were elected: Andrew Buchan, Tony Silverman, Amanda Brock, Kerem Aksoy, Heather Boardman and Charles Kingsley (subsequently resigned due to relocation).