Developer submits plans for 1,800 homes on site of B&Q, reports James Cracknell

Plans have been being submitted for a mammoth redevelopment scheme that would replace an “ageing” retail park with 1,800 homes.

If the planning application is approved by Enfield Council, it would see the tallest building in the borough constructed on a site currently occupied by B&Q, Dunelm and Gala Bingo. Four tower blocks of 29, 24, 18 and 16 storeys respectively are being proposed by a partnership between London developer NEAT and American investment firm Blackrock, which owns Colosseum Retail Park on the corner of Great Cambridge Road and Southbury Road.

The hybrid planning application includes 444 new homes in the first phase with the ability, subject to further applications, to provide up to 1,356 homes in later phases. Of the total new homes, 35% would be classified ‘affordable’, including both shared ownership and rental properties. In addition, the proposals will deliver a work hub, new shops, cafes, space for a crèche and doctor’s surgery, and two new parks. The development is expected to support at least 325 permanent jobs.

Paul Ward, from NEAT Developments, said: “We are delighted to have submitted plans for Colosseum Retail Park. We have a truly unique opportunity to create a new neighbourhood in Enfield, which will deliver new homes, affordable housing, jobs, and new commercial and retail spaces.

“Our plans will deliver a truly new offering to Enfield, from space for independent retailers, to events space and flexible workspace. Throughout the whole process, we have sought to work with local people, politicians and community groups to formulate a proposal which delivers an exciting place for Enfield.”

Built in 1996, Colosseum is one of a number of retail parks in the area that have struggled to compete with the rise of online shopping. As the borough needs to build hundreds of new homes every year to meet targets set by City Hall, the area around Southbury Station has been earmarked by Enfield Council for potential housing growth.

NEAT claims the scheme has been “carefully designed” to “reflect the eclectic mixture of buildings already found across Enfield”. Hundreds of residents attended a series of public consultation events after the plans were first announced in 2018, with some expressing concerns at the impact of the development’s height and the increasing pressure placed on public services and transport links; nearby Southbury Station is currently served by two trains per hour. Enfield Town Residents’ Association has also previously stated its opposition to the scheme.

If approved by the council’s planning committee, construction will begin in 2022.

View the planning application (ref. 20/00788/OUT) and submit a response:
Visit https://planningandbuildingcontrol.enfield.gov.uk/online-applications/caseDetails.do?caseType=Application&keyVal=Q6ODSIJNJNK00

Find out more about the plans from NEAT Developments:
Visit neat-developments.com/developments/crp-enfield/

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