Play area handed back to community

Developer has fenced off space in Lawrence Road without permission reports Simon Allin, Local Democracy Reporter

A playground that was fenced off during construction work on a new development has finally been returned to the community. 

Hoardings surrounding the Elizabeth Place play area in Lawrence Road, Tottenham, were removed last week – almost a month after they were first put up.

But photos of the site show the ground has been left in a poor condition, with grass removed and soil exposed.

Haringey Council leader Peray Ahmet welcomed the removal of the hoardings but said it was “disappointing” that it had taken developer Paul Simon Homes so long to take action.

The company won permission in 2018 to build 80 homes in a development of a site at 45 to 63 Lawrence Road but, according to the council, the play area was not part of the approved scheme. The authority wrote to Paul Simon Homes on 1st July calling for it to be restored to its previous condition.

Dozens of campaigners held a demonstration calling for the removal of the hoardings during a protest on 2nd July.

Cllr Ahmet said: “I am pleased to see that the hoardings have finally been removed. It is disappointing that it took so long for the developer to take action over this and prevent our young families from using the area.

“This is a space that is important to the community, and I am happy to have played a part in sending a clear message that land simply cannot be taken in this way.

“I am hopeful that we can now move forward and our community can continue to enjoy using the green open spaces in the area.”

Paul Simon Homes has been approached for comment.