The decision to remove the site’s allocation for redevelopment marks a key change by the council’s new administration. The Rowans facility is described as an iconic leisure asset, visited by thousands and considered a significant cultural asset within the borough.
Other changes discussed at a Cabinet meeting on 10 November 2026 include protecting Pinkham Way as open space for nature and imposing stricter biodiversity requirements on future developments across Haringey.
The Local Plan, which outlines Haringey's growth strategy, is set to be launched for final consultation on 23 November, pending approval by the Full Council, before an independent examination.
“"Residents have made it clear that Rowans is much more than a bowling alley. It is a much-loved community asset, a place where people come together and an important part of what makes Finsbury Park special. We believe development should work with communities, not be done to them. By removing this allocation, we are showing that local voices can make a real difference to the decisions that shape our borough."
Cllr Tammy Hymas highlighted the plan's ambition to address housing affordability, climate change, and economic growth while preserving valued local spaces. She thanked participants for their contributions, which have shaped a plan reflecting current needs.
This new Local Plan, adopted nearly a decade after the current document in 2017, addresses significant societal changes and aims for long-term delivery of affordable homes, tackling inequality, and creating opportunities. It has been developed over five years of engagement, with thousands of residents contributing, including nearly 10,000 in the 2025 Draft Local Plan consultation.
Any proposed development sites would still undergo the full planning process, including further local consultation. The Cabinet report is available via a link provided in the original source.
