DEVELOPERS have been accused of “playing” the planning game after submitting an application similar to one turned down less than a year ago.

Members of the Haslemere Road Residents Association say the developers attempting to extend the roof of Monkridge and add six more flats are playing “timing and tactics” with the council by submitting their latest application.

In December 2009 nearby residents and local councillors defeated developers in their attempts to expand Monkridge after a sustained campaign.

A member of the HRRA who asked to remain anonymous said: “The residents won but the developers are trying again. Their planning application is substantially the same as before.

“The developers still want to expand the roofs to create six flats on top. There will be two extra flats in the grounds and an existing ground floor flat will be expanded. If it’s the same as before, what’s changed?

“Timing and tactics. Rumour is that Haringey Planning are frightened of appeals and demoralised by the impending spending cuts. Also, the developers have spent money on consultants’ reports which say it is all all right.”

Objectors say increasing the height of the building would spoil the area and the building and would put undue pressure on local traffic and parking, especially with Coleridge Primary School so close by.

Objectors are urging residents to have their say on the development on the council’s planning website at www.haringey.gov.uk.

Architect Jonathan Plant said they found a meeting with local residents last week very useful. He said: “We have looked to address the concerns regarding the design and we have submitted a revised design for the roofscape which hopes to not only preserve but also enhance the area.”