Cockfosters Station Development Approved Amid 'Modern-Day Segregation' Accusations
A controversial housing development at Cockfosters station has been approved for 22 additional homes following a heated planning committee meeting, with one councillor describing quality differences across buildings as "modern-day segregation."
Planning Committee Approves Expanded Development
On Tuesday, February 25th, Enfield Council's planning committee granted approval for revised plans to construct 373 homes on land currently occupied by Cockfosters Station's car park. This represents an increase from the previously approved 351 units.
The scheme is being delivered through a partnership between Places for London, Transport for London's property arm, and developer Barratt London. The development originally received permission in 2024 after being delayed by the previous Conservative government despite earlier council approval.
Contentious History and Local Opposition
The Cockfosters development has remained controversial among local residents and Conservative councillors since its inception. The original proposals attracted 2,800 objections before being approved by councillors in February 2022.
Conservative councillor Alessandro Georgiou, who represents Cockfosters ward and leads the Conservative group, argued that the amended plans made "an already bad application significantly worse." He specifically criticized what he called quality disparities across buildings, labeling the situation "modern-day segregation."
Key Changes and Parking Reduction
The development will see significant changes from previous plans:
- Car parking spaces will be reduced from 407 spaces (including 37 staff spaces and twelve Blue Badge spaces) to just 68 total spaces upon completion
- Building heights now range between six and fifteen storeys, with one block being one storey taller than previously approved
- The development will include 650 bicycle spaces to encourage cycling
- A higher proportion of three-bedroom family homes will be included
- Slightly less commercial space will be incorporated
Council planning officers stated that the parking reduction had been "fully assessed" and would help reduce vehicle trips in the area. They noted that amendments were driven by changes to building regulations and new legislation requiring two staircases for buildings over 18 metres.
Affordable Housing and Political Divisions
The developers have promised that 40% of habitable rooms will be designated for affordable housing, though this will be spread across just 35% of the total units.
Conservative planning committee member Michael Rye joined Councillor Georgiou in opposition, stating: "The original application is ghastly. The new application is even more ghastly." Both councillors argued the proposals should be deferred until more detail, especially on Section 106 contributions from developers, could be provided.
Labour committee member George Savva offered a contrasting perspective, questioning opponents: "I don't know what your problem is, if you don't want working class in Cockfosters. Maybe you don't want affordable housing in Cockfosters?"
Referring to other developments in the borough, Councillor Savva added: "If it's good enough for areas in Edmonton, this kind of building, than it's bloody good enough for the areas in the west part [of Enfield]."
Developer's Housing Crisis Argument
Nick James, a senior development manager for Barratt London, addressed the committee ahead of its decision, emphasizing London's housing crisis.
James stated: "London is facing one of the most acute housing crises in the country. At a city-wide level, delivery has fallen far behind need. It is widely acknowledged that London must deliver far more homes, more quickly to prevent the crisis deepening."
He argued this was particularly true in Enfield, where the borough is far behind its housing supply targets, and maintained that the development promised high-quality, much-needed accommodation.
Additional Development Approved
In the same meeting, plans for a new 144-bedroom hotel at the Meridian Grand wedding and banqueting venue next to the North Circular were also approved, adding to the evening's significant development decisions.
The Cockfosters development controversy highlights the ongoing tensions between housing needs, local character preservation, and equitable development practices in London's expanding suburbs.
