Job loss fears over Crouch End development

Crouch End ward councillor Lyn Weber has expressed concerns over a new housing, office and retail development in Crouch End that could see the dmolition of a Kwik Fit and the MEB motor centre on Tottenham Lane, as well as a local car wash. She told a development management forum held at Hornsey Library last week, "a development management forum on Thursday: "We need more businesses to train up our young people."

The development at 163 Tottenham Lane would see the construction of a five-storey block of 22 studio, one and two bed flats and a fuirther block of four-bedroom "mews houses". The block would also include office space and ground floor retail space along Tottenham Lane. Developers JDW have proposed a "sympathetic" building that will fit in well with the character of Crouch End, particularly the neighbouring conservation area. Tony Allen, representing JDW, told the development forum that the mixed-use block could create jobs.

However, councillor Weber and local business owners are concerned about the impact of the development on local jobs if it goes ahead. MEB runs a successful apprentice scheme training young people in car repairs which will certainly be lost if the garage is demolished.

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