Campaigner against Haringey Council’s HDV plan feeling ‘quietly confident’
Commenting before the hearing, Gordon Peters said: I am not opposed to the aims of improving the areas economy and social housing stock. On the contrary, this is precisely why I am exercised to want to ensure these aims are achieved at the least financial risk, with the greatest protection for social housing and involvement of residents, so whatever happens is done in their name. Picture: JON KING - Credit: Jonathan King
The campaigner bringing a case against Haringey Council’s £2billion redevelopment plan has said he feels ‘quietly confident’.
Gordon Peters was speaking outside the Royal Courts of Justice ahead of a judicial review into the council’s plan to start a joint venture with a private developer Lendlease.
Under the agreement council owned property, including people’s homes, would be transferred to a company, the Haringey Development Vehicle (HDV).
Campaigners claim the move is tantamount to a sell-off which could result in council tenants being forced out of their homes. Haringey argues the renewal the deal brings will generate the homes and jobs the borough needs.
Speaking before the hearing, Gordon Peters said: “I’m feeling quietly confident that our arguments are robust and tightly put together.”
Anti-HDV protesters squeezed into court 19 before staff were forced to move to a bigger courtroom to allow about 60 of them to view the proceedings.
Before breaking for lunch, Justice Ouseley heard the first of four opening arguments from the claimant’s legal team from Leigh Day which centred around whether or not the council was operating commercially by pursuing the HDV.
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This story is being updated.