After HDV, council wrecking ball still looms over two Wood Green estates

Despite the recent sinking of the Haringey Development Vehicle (HDV), 300 social rent homes remain under threat from Haringey council’s Wood Green Area Action Plan (AAP).

The AAP plans to level two housing association estates in the Noel Park area of central Wood Green: Page High (92 homes) and Sky City (200).

After the council’s consultation on the AAP, to which Page High Tenants' Association made a detailed submission, the ball is back in the council’s court.

How are they going to play it?

There’s really only one justifiable move: The new Joe Ejiofor-led administration must give the two estates a reprieve.

View of Page High, Wood Green (on top of Matalan)

At Page High, we’re living in limbo while waiting to see whether or not a wrecking ball is going swing through our windows.

The Noel Park councillors representing Page High have made their views clear: They oppose demolition.

We now call upon council leader Joe Ejiofor, and Strategic Regeneration lead Charles Adje, to take Page High (and Sky City) off the demolition list.

The Page High tenants’ view is clear: 79% of households signed the ‘No to Demolition’ petition that was presented to the council last March.

Page High Tenants’ Association’s message to the new administration is clear: Don’t feel too happy with yourselves for ending the HDV while the prospect of demolishing Page High and Sky City remains.

We say also to the council: It’s great that you’re about to build new council homes, but do not forget your existing tenants, and don’t forget the need to preserve central Wood Green’s two housing association estates.

Ending the HDV alone isn’t enough. The council is yet to prove it's fully behind social rent tenants in the borough.

Yes, let’s celebrate the demise of the HDV, and let’s applaud for council for finally doing the right thing.

We’re delighted that the HDV has been sunk, but we want to remind everyone that working-class social housing communities remain under threat from Haringey council.

The council must act now to reassure people living at Page High and Sky City that their homes and communities are safe.