The Colosseum Retail Park scheme proposed 1,800 new homes but will not now be going ahead, reports Grace Howarth, Local Democracy Reporter

The 29-storey tower planned for Colosseum Retail Park in Southbury

Planning permission for one of the biggest housing schemes in the borough has lapsed, Enfield Council has confirmed.

Work on the redevelopment of Colosseum Retail Park to provide 1,800 homes across several mixed-use blocks between six and 29 storeys tall has not commenced since planning permission was formally granted by the council in July 2021.

With the permission having a three-year time limit, it has now expired.

The news comes after years of speculation and doubts over the project, as developer NEAT Developments provided no indication that any work was progressing despite repeated attempts to contact them.

The council has not speculated on the reason behind the failure of Colosseum Retail Park’s redevelopment but said it was an “unfortunate but not uncommon occurrence” and has insisted it can still meet local housing targets despite the setback.

The construction sector has struggled economically over the last few years, particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic. The added pressure of rising building costs has culminated in delivery issues for many major developments.

According to the council’s draft housing and growth strategy, it aims to deliver 19,000 new homes across multiple developments up to the year 2030, which is the minimum estimated housing need.

The Colosseum Retail Park scheme faced criticism when it was approved by councillors in September 2020, as it fell short of the council’s aim to deliver 40% affordable housing on each new development, instead offering 30%. There were also fears the housing blocks were too tall and too dense given the amenities available in the area.

A council spokesperson said: “Planning permission expiring is an unfortunate but not uncommon occurrence.

“While the original planning permission has lapsed, Enfield Council remains firmly committed to meeting its local housing targets.

“We are actively developing our emerging Local Plan to ensure the borough’s housing needs are addressed, even if some projects do not move forward as initially planned.

“We continue to collaborate with developers across the borough to identify and advance projects that align with our good growth and regeneration objectives.”

NEAT Developments was approached for comment but did not respond.

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