Tottenham Hotspur FC suffered a setback in their legal battle against a large regeneration project near their stadium. The High Road West scheme, which is the largest regeneration project in Haringey’s history, had been challenged by Spurs due to concerns about its impact on local heritage and the safety of matchday crowds. The scheme, developed by Haringey Council and Lendlease, is set to build almost 3,000 homes in high-rise blocks in the west of Tottenham High Road. The council asserts that the scheme will provide public benefits such as parks, commercial spaces, and social-rent homes. However, residents affected by the scheme have criticized it, as it will result in bulldozing their homes and businesses.
In their legal challenge, Spurs argued that the council had failed to properly assess the heritage impacts on the North Tottenham Conservation Area and listed buildings at the Goods Yard and The Depot, where the club has its own housing plans. Additionally, Spurs claimed that the council had not adequately addressed the crowd control burdens the club could face during matchdays. They also contended that the legal agreement and planning conditions did not include necessary measures to ensure the safe movement of crowds.
However, the High Court dismissed Spurs’ claims in a ruling announced on October 18. The judge stated that the heritage impacts had been lawfully identified and that the benefits provided by the scheme outweighed them. The judge also determined that the council had carefully considered crowd safety, sought expert advice, and provided a mechanism for stakeholders to work together. The judge declared that planning committee members had not been misled.
Lendlease and the council’s documents indicated that the situation for stadium crowds would actually be improved after the construction. The judge concluded that the council had satisfied itself that the planning permission would not unreasonably impact the club’s operations or restrict its access to the stadium.
Following the ruling, David Joyce, director of placemaking and housing at Haringey Council, expressed satisfaction with the outcome. He emphasized that the regeneration project was the largest in the borough’s history and would deliver numerous benefits for the community. Joyce vowed to continue listening to residents and stakeholders to shape the scheme and ensure that it meets their needs.
Tottenham Hotspur declined to comment on the ruling.
