HARINGEY has benefited from a three-year pause forced upon plans for a new police base in Wood Green, a senior officer has said.

Plans for the old police station in High Road were met with a barrage of criticism when first unveiled in 2008, as residents baulked at the “hideous” ceramic facade being proposed.

Haringey Police went back to the drawing board, and has been forced to wait until now to unveil its new ideas for the site because of the recession.

Chief Inspector Pete Dickson, who is now in charge of the project, said: “I think it has done us a favour. A lot has changed in three years – the demands of policing and the financial situation.

“It has also given us a chance to take on board the community comments, and we believe we have done that.”

Under the new proposals, the front of the existing station will be retained and incorporated into the new base.

The idea of having patrol officers based out of the station has been removed from the plans, with the temporary patrol base in Quicksilver Place set to remain for the time being.

Police have also confirmed the Safer Neighbourhood base at 287 High Road, home to Bounds Green and Alexandra officers, will also remain.

The new station will include 40 new cells to tackle the borough's chronic lack of space to lock up offenders.

Chief Inspector Dickson said the force often had to ask neighbouring forces for cell space, and it is hoped the new base will eradicate this problem.

Discussions have been held with senior officers and neighbourhood ward panel members. Chief Inspector Dickson said: “They have been very supportive, and are very pleased with the new proposals.”

A consultation on the plans has been launched, with a view to gaining planning permission later this year and construction work starting early next year.

To see the plans, visit www.met.police.uk/haringey. To comment, you can write to Wood Green Consultation, c/o Tottenham Police Station, 398 High Road, Tottenham N17 9JA or email woodgreenpolicestation@met.police.uk.