Haringey Council has approved a new delivery deal to revive the stalled redevelopment of the Love Lane Estate in Tottenham, promising residents a guaranteed 'right to return' to new homes built on the site. The council's cabinet backed a package of measures on 14 July aimed at accelerating the project, which has been delayed by challenging market conditions.
Right to return guaranteed for current tenants
The council stated it is "guaranteeing a right to return for Love Lane residents", meaning current tenants will have first option on new homes as they are constructed. The redevelopment, part of the wider High Road West regeneration scheme, plans to replace ageing tower blocks with hundreds of new homes described as "warm, safe and comfortable".
Phase 1A contract and new homes
The council will sign a new contract to demolish Whitehall Lodge and build 61 council homes as 'Phase 1A' of the scheme. These will include 20 one-bed flats, 19 three-bed flats, and eight maisonettes ranging from three to four bedrooms. The contract value and the identity of the contractor, referred to only as "Contractor A" in council minutes, have not been disclosed.
Phase 1B and demolition of further blocks
The same contractor will also demolish the tower block at 2-32 Whitehall Street, to be replaced by new homes in 'Phase 1B', built by Australian firm Lendlease. Additionally, councillor Tammy Hymas, co-deputy leader and cabinet member for housing, has been given delegated authority to approve contracts for site security and the decommissioning and demolition of the Ermine, Charles and Moselle blocks, where contract values exceed £500,000. The council said this authority ensures timely implementation of the Estate Management Plan.
Budget and management plan
Cabinet members approved a new management plan for the site with a total budget of £1.1 million. The plan addresses health and safety, supports management of vacant properties, and maintains estate operations during phased redevelopment. It also includes strategies to use lower-rise blocks for housing where feasible during the transition period.
Background and previous approvals
The redevelopment has been planned for several years, with residents backing the scheme in a 2021 ballot. The High Road West plans for 2,929 homes won approval in 2022, despite opposition from Tottenham Hotspur. A council report noted the project "is currently stalled, due to difficult market conditions which have impacted the viability of the scheme." The council, now led by a Green minority administration after May's local election, aims to speed up delivery of new council homes through these measures.
