Press+-+Haringey+Independent+-+Wards+Corner+campaigners+win+appeal

=Wards Corner campaigners win appeal= Elizabeth Pears - Haringey Independent (Tuesday 22nd June 2010)

A JUBILANT community campaign against the demolition of Ward Corner will return to Tottenham this afternoon after winning a High Court appeal.

In July 2009, a Judicial Review upheld Haringey Council's decision to grant planning permission to developers who intend to knock down a former Edwardian department store in favour of luxury housing, a public square and high street chain stores. The Wards Corner Community coalition, made up of residents, small business owners and conservationists, claim the plans will not only destroy the area's character, but would have a negative impact on the area's diversity.

It would also signal the end of a bustling Latin American market housed on the ground floor of the Ward building.

Following the July court defeat, the WCC lodged an appeal heard on May 5, 2010, and today were able to celebrate after a judge ruled in their favour.

Haringey Council has backed the proposals by development firm Grainger from its early stages in 2007, touting the build as the regeneration Seven Sisters badly needs.

Lawyers acting on behalf of claimant Janet Harris, a WCC member, argued the council's decision was biased.

Planning chairman Councillor Sheila Peacock was accused of saying on three occasions that she wanted Wards Corner to be demolished before the developer’s application was even submitted.

On the day the application was approved, councillors voted five in favour and four against, meaning Ms Peacock’s vote was crucial.