The controversial 17-storey redevelopment of Southgate Office Village was granted permission on appeal in 2021 but will not now being going ahead, reports James Cracknell

A major redevelopment of an office complex in Southgate has been ditched with the developer deciding instead to convert the existing buildings into flats.

The plans to demolish Southgate Office Village and build five blocks of 216 homes, rising to 17 storeys, proved highly controversial when it was first proposed in 2019 and was initially rejected by councillors on Enfield Council’s planning committee in 2020, before being allowed on appeal in 2021.

However, no construction work has begun on site since planning permission was granted and, after enquiries by the Dispatch, an agent for the site owner confirmed the scheme was no longer going ahead. It’s understood the scheme was deemed no longer financially viable.

Instead, the existing three-storey blocks of offices at the site in Chase Road will be converted into housing under permitted development rules. In total it will comprise 74 flats.

Jane Maggs, vice chair of Southgate District Civic Voice, welcomed the news and said: “Southgate District Civic Voice is extremely relieved at the decision not to build 17-storey tower blocks on the Southgate Office Village site.

“This proposed development would have overshadowed people’s lives and homes, as well as impacting the heritage of Southgate Circus Conservation Area. This is a positive step for Southgate and the surrounding area after six years of uncertainty.

“We have always acknowledged the need for new housing in the area and welcomed sympathetic redevelopment. This permitted development conversion into homes will ensure that the buildings remain on a scale appropriate to the area. If handled sensitively, it will be a positive enhancement to the area.

“Southgate District Civic Voice continues to work with residents and the council to improve Southgate and so we look forward to seeing a new chapter for Southgate Office Village.”

In a joint statement, Southgate’s three Conservative councillors Stephanos Ioannou, Chris Joannides and Elisa Morealle said: “We are delighted to see that sense has prevailed.

“Since the initial submission of the application, we have always insisted that converting just the existing structure would be sufficient and would be widely accepted by the community. All three councillors in Southgate are happy to see that further housing will be provided in the local community, in buildings that will respect the existing character of the Southgate area.

“This is another win against tower blocks in the London borough of Enfield and moreover a win against densely populated accommodation. We support this decision and hope to see the renovation works carried out soon.”

The news, however, represents yet another setback for the civic centre’s hopes of meeting its housebuilding targets. The council has not responded to a request for comment.

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