VISION, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

• To preserve and enhance Crouch End’s urban village character, its architectural heritage, tree-lined streets, landscape, and open spaces.
• Design must be of a high standard, respond to setting, local character areas and the conservation area, and make a positive contribution to local distinctiveness.

Improvements to the public realm will support a thriving and welcoming town centre, attractive and accessible for visitors.

Beyond the well-established roll call of scale, rhythm, grain, materiality, etc., consultations and appraisal have identified objectives including but not limited to: Preserving and enhancing Victorian built historic environment; addressing the poor presentation of town centre retail (shopfronts, etc.); improving the public realm (ie. much good work already done at a domestic level, public spaces and commercial streetscape is weakest); improving the town centre (eg. Topsfield Parade; The Broadway); preserving and enhancing greenery/tree cover (including retaining front gardens); protecting local views. (see Appraisal for list of strengths and weaknesses).

Some specific ideas could sit within a CIL list; for example tree planting, new seating, new signage, the commissioning of public sculpture, etc.

Clearly, Haringey’s Local Plan sets out an extensive policy suite for design and character. The London Plan and National guidance also. This includes design standards, setting, heights, views, backland development, upwards extensions, etc. Could we attempt a design code, or at least specific design guidance?

See PDF:

Design and Character policy