The controversial 350-home scheme had been delayed by the previous Conservative government despite winning planning approval from Enfield Council in 2022

An impression showing how the development on two separate car parks either side of Cockfosters Station will look when built — The development will span two separate car parks either side of Cockfosters Station (credit TfL)

A long-delayed scheme by Transport for London (TfL) to build 350 homes on the car parks at Cockfosters Station can finally go ahead – after the Labour government removed an obstacle imposed by the previous Conservative administration.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan announced today (Tuesday 3rd) that the proposed new development had been granted consent by Secretary of State for Transport Louise Haigh, reversing a decision made by her predecessor Grant Shapps, who used an arcane piece of legislation to block the scheme in early 2022 just one month after it won approval from Enfield Council’s planning committee.

TfL is required by the Greater London Authority Act to seek the consent of the Department for Transport for the disposal of land used for its operational purposes, although this is usually a routine request once planning approval has been won. TfL first requested permission in 2021 to sell the land currently used for car parking on either side of the station.

The Cockfosters development was highly controversial among local residents and Conservative councillors, however, and attracted 2,800 objections at the time it was considered by Enfield’s planning committee in February 2022, with the main concerns being the significant reduction of car parking space for commuters and the height of the 14-storey towers.

Cockfosters Station is currently used by many commuters travelling into London from Hertfordshire, who use the station as a park and ride facility.

The new development will, however, meet the local target for affordable housing, of 40%, and retain car parking spaces for disabled Blue Badge holders. The designs also improve public access to nearby Trent Park.

Work will now progress to ensure that the development can begin in the coming years, including updating the designs in response to the latest fire safety requirements.

Places for London, TfL’s property company, is working on multiple projects across London, including at Arnos Grove Station further along the Piccadilly Line – although construction on this scheme has now been paused for nearly a year.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “After the previous government refused to approve the plans, I’m delighted that the new government has given us the green light to progress exciting plans for new homes at Cockfosters Station.

“Building homes right next to public transport connections is a key part of our plans to deliver the high-quality homes Londoners need.

“This important project will deliver new commercial space, increase green space and, most importantly, it will provide the affordable housing that I have pledged to deliver for Londoners.

“I look forward to continuing working with the government to build a better, fairer and more prosperous London for everyone.”

Graeme Craig, director and chief executive of Places for London, said: “We are delighted that we are now able to make progress with our plans at Cockfosters now that we have the green light to release the land. We look forward to working across the capital with the government and the mayor as we progress the plans to deliver the homes that London urgently needs.”

Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said: “This government is committed to getting Britain building and working with local leaders to boost regional growth.

“I’m delighted to finally unblock this important project to kickstart the development of hundreds of much needed new homes in Enfield.”

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