Nature Conservation

Site of Importance for Nature Conservation

The Harringay Stadium Slopes was designated a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) in 2002. The citation has the following to say about the area:

This bank supports a mosaic of sycamore woodland, rough grassland and scrub of hawthorn, bramble and elder. The highly poisonous plant deadly nightshade also occurs here, and is thankfully scarce in London. The grassland on the south-facing slope is good for butterflies and supports a colony of common blues.
SINC Citation for the Harringay Stadium Slopes (reference HgBII16)

Tree Preservation Orders

The importance of the trees at the site was recognised as far back as 1979 when the first Tree Preservation Order (TPO) was made on 13 sycamore trees in the area to the north of what is now 85 and 87 Hermitage Road. This TPO is currently listed under numbers TPO/2014/1752 and TPO/2014/2252.

More recently an additional TPO, number TPO/2020/0001, was applied for to protect some of the trees further to the west. Update, this TPO has now been granted – see this letter from the council. 

Recognition by Haringey Council

Haringey Council is committed to preserving the SINCs in the borough, with this statement appearing in the latest Strategic Policy:

The Council will not permit development on SINCs and LNRs unless there are exceptional circumstances and where the importance of any development coming forward outweighs the nature conservation  value of the site. In such circumstances, or where a site has more than one designation, appropriate mitigation measures must be taken and where practicable and reasonable, additional nature conservation space must be provided. Each case will be looked at on its merits, having regard to all material considerations. The Council and statutory undertakers, who own some of the designated sites, have a duty to have regard to conserving biodiversity. Although most SINCs in Haringey are not in the Council’s control, the Council will seek to protect species, habitats and areas from inappropriate and harmful development.
Section 6.3.24 Haringey’s Local Plan Strategic Policies 2013 – 2026

Ecological Corridor

Ecological Corridors are relatively continuous areas of green space running through built up areas that allow the movement of plants and animals to other areas and habitats. The Harringay Stadium Slopes forms an Ecological Corridor linking to the Tottenham Railsides SINC.

In planning documentation adopted in July 2017 Haringey Council identified the Harringay Stadium Slopes as a part of a future extended ecological corridore linking all the way through to Finsbury Park.

A new section of ecological corridor linking this via the “slopes” behind Finsbury Avenue through to Finsbury Park should be considered as part of the design for this site.
SA29: Arena Retail Park Site Allocations Development Plan Document

The London Plan

London contains numerous sites of importance for nature conservation. The Mayor expects London’s biodiversity and natural heritage to be conserved and enhanced for the benefit of current and future Londoners. These sites form an integral part of London’s green infrastructure and should be linked to other parts of the network to enhance its value.
Section 7.59 The London Plan March 2016

The London Plan is the overall strategic plan for London, setting out an integrated economic, environmental, transport and social framework for the development of London over the next 20–25 years. This Plan recognises London’s most valuable and special places for wildlife as Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs).

Key Performance Indicator #18 in the London Plan is the protection of biodiversity habitat, measured by “No net loss of designated Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation”.