Report by Simon Allin, Local Democracy Reporter

Plans to build blocks of flats up to seven storeys high next to Arnos Grove Station have been submitted to Enfield Council for consideration.

The proposed development on the station’s car park would see 162 homes built, with 40% classed as ‘affordable’. The plans have been drawn up by Connected Living London (CLL) – a partnership between Transport for London (TfL) and developer Grainger. If approved, four buildings ranging from one to seven storeys high would be built close to the Grade 2*-listed station building, designed in 1932 by Charles Holden.

According to a heritage statement submitted as part of the application, Arnos Grove Station “makes one of the most important contributions to early modernism and railway architecture, both in Britain and internationally”. But Grainger says its design “has focused on preserving and enhancing the setting of the listed station building”.

The taller blocks would be built to the north of the site, away from the station and neighbouring properties. The developers say the ‘build-to-rent’ scheme would help meet the borough’s projected housing need of 1,876 homes per year over the next 25 years.

There has been criticism, however, over the loss of 297 car parking spaces for station users. Ten spaces would be retained for TfL staff and eleven for blue badge holders. More than 2,500 people signed a petition against the proposed development last year, citing loss of parking, traffic congestion, and unaffordable housing.

Ben Tate from Transport for London said: “This heritage-led scheme has been sensitively designed to respond to and enhance the setting of the important Grade 2*-listed station building.

“Our plans have been developed with input from the local community and we will continue to keep people informed as we go through the planning process.”

To have your say on the plans:
Visit planningandbuildingcontrol.enfield.gov.uk/online-applications [reference 20/01049/FUL]

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