Here is a brief summary of the main issues that the Residents Association has been dealing with in the past year. If you have any thoughts or or opinions on these issues or other neighbourhood matters come along to our AGM on the 8th October More AGM 2024 details here >>
Streetscene
We successfully obtained two new street trees (one in Tivoli, one in Glasslyn) which have now been planted. We are still seeking to replace the tree that was destroyed by UK Power Networks when Glasslyn Road was closed for electrical works last year, and we are hopeful of obtaining this in the next planting season. More on street trees here >>
Rental electric bikes have continued to cause a nuisance in Montenotte and at the top of Glasslyn. The council has now introduced a pilot scheme with two operators, Lime and Forest, but no parking bays have yet been established near Highgate Wood School. The gradient of the road is apparently an issue.
The fly-tipping of household furniture and other rubbish on the corner of Tivoli/Glasslyn has been alleviated. Ironically this seems to be a result of the removal by the council of the waste bin that was previously there (this was not at the request of GMTRA).
The electric charging points installed at the bottom of Glasslyn have been activated and are now in regular use. The Council also conducted a consultation on the CPZ hours of operation, as a result of which the parking restrictions in our streets remained unchanged. More details here >>
Planning Issues
We continue to monitor planning applications in our area for developments that affect residents at large.
We were dismayed to discover that the planning application for a telecoms mast on the edge of the Hornsey Club grounds was approved by default owing to a council bungle. The council officer recommended that the application be refused, but because the developer was not notified within the statutory time it became automatically approved. This however was over a year ago, and there is no sign yet of anything being built. The developer will need to obtain a court order to access the Hornsey Club.
There has been no further news on the proposed new sports hall being planned at the Hornsey Club. During the summer two new Padel courts were erected on top of the existing tennis courts, without planning permission. The club has now submitted a retrospective application which states that the courts are only temporary until 31 October. Given the temporary nature GMTRA has not objected to the application, on the proviso that the tennis courts will be reinstated afterwards.
You can see all posts on planning issues here >>
Highgate Wood School
The major issue that has arisen is the plan by the school, in conjunction with the cricket clubs, to reinstate a cricket pitch on the school playing field (off Montenotte Road). This would also include a running track and two football pitches. By necessity the playing area would be fenced off from public access, but our local conservation group CREOS has negotiated with the school to ensure there will be a continued footpath across the field. We are aware that opinion amongst residents is divided on this issue so GMTRA has not taken a particular stance but will continue to liaise with CREOS. It is still unclear on the timing and whether the necessary funding can be raised.
Another school issue that will soon be prominent is a proposal by the Council to make the bottom end of Montenotte a School Street. This would mean that cars would be unable to enter the street at certain hours of the day (except residents). There will be a formal consultation on this proposal in October, and GMTRA has made contact with the council officer responsible. Our initial view is that this scheme is a bit pointless since the road is a short cul-de-sac.
Website/communication
We continue to maintain this website and we send out newsletters to update residents on matter of concern. Please do give us any suggestions for improving the website further. Note that the website includes a directory of local trades people, which residents frequently seek via the street WhatsApp group.
Neighbourhood Watch
We are fortunate to live on a relatively crime-free area. It is pleasing to report that we have not heard of any burglaries in recent months, but unfortunately there have been a few thefts from cars and thefts of tools from houses where building work is taking place.
GMTRA has attended meetings of Haringey Neighbourhood Watches, where Council officers and the Borough police brief us on policing initiatives, and we keep in touch with the local Safer Neighbourhood police team.