Six-storey block of flats proposed on New Southgate site, reports Simon Allin, Local Democracy Reporter

*Grove Road Church Hall in New Southgate (credit Google)*

A disused church hall could be demolished to make way for 24 new homes under plans drawn up by a developer.

Beverley Homes wants to knock down Grove Road Church Hall in Grove Road, New Southgate, and build a block of flats and maisonettes up to six storeys high.

Ten of the homes would be for social rent, while three would be for intermediate rent and the remainder for private sale.

Built in the 1950s, and with additions made in the 1970s, the church hall was used by Christ Church New Southgate and Friern Barnet before its closure in 2020.

It was put up for sale because to high upkeep costs and to help fund the refurbishment of the historic Grade 2-listed church building in Friern Barnet Road, with the groups that previously used the hall having moved to alternative sites.

Enfield Council’s planning policies state that the loss of community facilities will not be permitted unless a replacement is provided or evidence shows there is no demand for the current or alternative community uses.

Documents submitted by the developer state that the council has “agreed to the principle of a 100% residential scheme and no requirement to replace defunct community space”.

The site is located in a mainly residential neighbourhood and opposite an area of open space. According to planning documents, the proposed housing block has been “carefully designed to optimise use of the site whilst limiting impact on neighbouring properties”.

The developer also claims the “increased surveillance” provided by the new homes should “reduce crime and antisocial behaviour in the locality”.

It adds: “The proposals will replace a vacant unused building, in a poor state of repair, on a prime brownfield site. The sustainable redevelopment will make more efficient use of the site and will provide much needed affordable and market homes, including some family-sized dwellings.”

The Grove Road proposals can be viewed by visiting Enfield Council’s planning portal and entering reference number 22/02415/FUL:
Visit planningandbuildingcontrol.enfield.gov.uk/online-applications

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