Highgate garden centre development appeal thrown out by planning inspector

Land at the heart of Highgate has been saved from development after a planning inspector rejected an appeal to build luxury homes on Highgate Bowl.

The inspector threw out an appeal by R&D Properties to develop the 11-acre site near the High Street, currently occupied by Capital Gardens.

The decision last Friday came after a four-day inquiry last month and was welcomed by many in the community.

Gordon Forbes, of the Highgate Society, said: “I am very pleased with this result which protects this part of Highgate Bowl yet again against development.”

But he warned: “This should be regarded as a temporary respite in a long-running battle. We would urge Haringey Council to continue to be vigilant in protecting this vital open space.”

Haringey Council last year turned down proposals by R&D Properties to build on the green space on the grounds that it had not been proven that the existing garden centre is not viable.