A new body has been formed that will scrutinise major planning applications in Haringey.

The team of professionals from a range of backgrounds will give guidance to developers before plans are submitted to Haringey council’s planning committee.

All proposals will be tested against the council’s new Development Quality Charter which sets out the standards that need to be met by plans.

The move is unusual for London borough’s and takes inspiration from the Olympic Park which has a similar system in place; the chair of the post-London 2012 panel, Peter Studdert, will also be the chair of the Haringey body.

He said: “Haringey is facing some major regeneration challenges and the Quality Review Panel will provide support to the borough in ensuring that new developments are well designed and provide positive benefits for the local community.”

Mr Studdert has 35 years of experience in planning including being planning director of Cambridge City council as well as advisory roles at Historic England and the Design Council.

Four to five members of the panel will meet monthly to consider applications referred by the council, and will be managed externally to ensure its independence.

Councillor Ali Demirci, cabinet member for planning, said: “The wealth of experience and expertise of our new Quality Review Panel strengthens our ambition that new developments in Haringey should be the highest quality in our city.

“Our ambitious regeneration plans will bring significant development to our borough, and the support and guidance of this panel will guard against poor, badly-designed proposals before they even reach the Planning Committee.

“It’s vital that we insist on top-rate design that supports a community that is good to live in, fits in with the borough’s heritage and improves the lives of our residents.”