The scrutiny of important new buildings and public spaces here in Haringey will continue to meet the very highest standards after two independent experts were appointed new co-chairs of the local authority’s Quality Review Panel (QRP).
Esther Everett and Andrew Beharrell are to jointly head up Haringey Council’s QRP and will be looking to build upon the considered and diligent, advisory support work of the current chair Peter Studdert, who has held the role for the last eight years.
Haringey Council has a successful track record of demanding the very highest standards when it comes to building design and development and the local authority views the appointments of Andrew and Esther as central to ensuring that the borough’s built environment continues to meet those exacting requirements.
Esther has held senior roles at two of London’s highest profile regeneration areas – the Old Oak & Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) and the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), where she is Head of Design, leading a team responsible for high-quality design across the organisation’s portfolio including the development and delivery of 5,000 homes.
A qualified architect and an experienced leader in design, development and urban regeneration, Esther is passionate about delivering high-quality, climate-resilient and place-focused projects.
She has been a QRP panel member at Haringey Council since 2017 and is a non-executive director for Future of London (FOL).
Andrew currently lends his advice and expertise to the research and development group Knowledge Hub at Pollard Thomas Edwards, where he designed and delivered many award-winning building projects as a former director and senior partner prior to retiring from a practice leadership role in 2020.
A member of Haringey’s QRP from 2015 to 2021, Andrew is a regular commentator on the industry at live events and in the press and has co-authored and edited a series of influential publications on housing, planning and regeneration issues.
A team of independent professionals from a broad range of backgrounds, the QRP scrutinises all major development proposals and advises applicants, council officers and the Planning Committee on how well a development scheme is meeting the principles of the Haringey Development Charter to deliver greater benefits for residents and businesses.
Commenting on their appointment as QRP co-chairs, Esther said:
I am honoured to be appointed co-chair of the Haringey Quality Review Panel at a time when the design of our built environment is so critical in the face of a rapidly changing world and climate.
I look forward to working with the expert panel and ensuring that high-quality place-making is put at the forefront of all development in Haringey to secure an environment fit for the 21st century with immediate benefits for local residents.
Andrew stated:
I am delighted to have been appointed co-chair of Haringey’s Quality Review Panel.
With so many commercial and regulatory pressures on development, the panel has a vital role in raising design standards and ambition to help create places that we can all be proud of for generations to come.
Cllr Sarah Williams, Haringey Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing Services, Private Renters and Planning, said:
It’s great to have Andrew and Esther on board as the new co-chairs of our Quality Review Panel.
Their extensive experience, knowledge and expertise will prove invaluable as we endeavour to ensure all our major developments continue to be developed and delivered to the highest standards in the design industry.
I’d also like to thank Peter for his hard work and determination throughout his eight years of service as the QRP chair. His advice and support have been instrumental in the development projects – both large and small – that have been overseen by council officers and the Planning Committee since 2015.
Reflecting on his eight-year tenure at the helm of the QRP, Studdert added:
The last eight years have seen some major developments coming forward in Haringey and change has been particularly dramatic at Tottenham Hale and around Wood Green.
It has been a privilege to help shape these important regeneration schemes, as well as supporting Haringey’s planners in achieving high standards of design in a wide range of smaller developments across the borough.
Haringey’s residents deserve the highest possible quality in the new developments that are changing the face of the borough and I hope that the Quality Review Panel continues to provide expert support in ensuring that high standards are secured.
Peter will work with Andrew as co-chairs of the QRP until March 2024, when Esther will replace Peter and take up her co-chair role alongside Andrew.
