Press+-+Haringey+Independent+-+Market's+stay+of+execution

=Market's stay of execution= Elizabeth Pears - Haringey Independent (Friday 17th October 2008)

The end is near in a long battle to save a popular Latin American market in Seven Sisters, after developers submitted revamped planning proposals.

Development firm Grainger altered its plans to regenerate the Wards Corner site, above Seven Sisters Tube station, following pressure from Mayor of London Boris Johnson.

On Monday the company submitted new plans to Haringey Council, which included space for the 60-unit Pueblito Paisa market along with luxury flats and a shopping area of cafés and high street chains. Previous plans would have forced its closure and thrown the livelihoods of traders into jeopardy.

David Walters, Grainger’s development director, said: “Following the request of the Greater London Authority, we are delighted to have addressed concerns through the inclusion of a viable and appropriate solution for the Seven Sisters market within our proposals.”

He said the company was confident it would deliver the vital regeneration Tottenham needs.

But Wards Corner Community (WCC), a coalition of market traders, business owners and conservationists which has led a year-long campaign against the development, blasted Grainger’s claims that the plans were made in consultation with traders.

Under the new plans, the traders will lose their upstairs stock rooms and the Ward building, a former Edwardian department store, will still be demolished.

The coalition said its vision, which includes a restoration of the aged building, was ignored by the council, despite backing from the Prince’s Regeneration Trust.

Roy Jose, a WCC member, said: “Instead of seeking a solution to Wards Corner by working with the community, the council and Grainger appear to be exploring ways to circumvent the mayor’s objections.

“Clearly the council does not wish to listen to any proposal apart from the Grainger’s proposal for a gated community of privately owned flats above high-rental shops occupied by national chain stores.

“Such proposals would wipe out thriving businesses and demolish buildings that are capable of re-use. Seven Sisters will lose completely its sense of place and everything that makes it different, diverse and exciting.”

A council spokesman said: “Dates for a meeting with WCC are being arranged. The planning committee will consider the two applications in the usual way.”

If plans are approved, Grainger has pledged to give traders six months’ notice before work begins and said there could be “potential involvement” from the London Development Agency in finding a temporary home for Pueblito Paisa during contruction.