THE COMPANY behind a controversial 250-housing development on the border of Enfield and Barnet have reaffirmed their commitment to build homes on the site after councillors rejected their plans.
Enfield’s planning committee agreed with officers’ recommendations that the bid by developers L&Q on the ex-Middlesex University campus in Cat Hill be refused due to its impact on roads and wildlife.
Councillors also concluded that the five six-storey blocks and overall design of the development were out of keeping with look of the area, adding these to their list of objections.
But spokesman for L&Q said it was committed to using the site, which it owns, for a residential development despite the overwhelmingly negative reaction to the application from residents and politicians from the two neighbouring boroughs.
Hundreds of East Barnet and Cockfosters residents attended the special meeting at Ashmole Academy, in Cecil Road, Southgate, on Wednesday night to hear the decision on the development, which has been strongly opposed by members of the Campaign For Cat Hill.
Campaign leader Kim Coleman told the committee that the development would leave the area “irrevocably damaged”.
“Cockfosters does not need regeneration and if this application is granted it will be altered, and not for the better.”
Enfield Southgate MP, David Burrowes, and transport secretary Theresa Villiers of Chipping Barnet also spoke out against the plan. Councillor Joanna Tambourides stated her objections on behalf of her East Barnet ward, where officers admit the impact on roads and school would be worst felt.
L&Qs project manager, Simon Baxter, warned the committee about the message they would be sending out if they refused the application.
“Those who might consider investing in Enfield are watching very closely indeed to see what happens when opportunity knocks on your door,” he said.
But apart from the developers, there were few in support of the plan and the committee voted unanimously to reject it.
“I can’t see how this community is going to withstand this and how what is being built here is going to enhance the community,” said committee member Martin Prescott.
The decision is the latest development in a long-running fight against L&Q by members of the Campaign For Cat Hill. Since L&Q submitted its original bid in June, campaigners have held a series of protests, including a 67-hour vigil at the site in November.
Ms Coleman said she had been left exhausted by the campaign, but was prepared to continue the fight, should L&Q appeal or come back with another proposal.
“I feel that everything that myself and my committee has done has achieved great success,” she said. “We have won the first battle.”
L&Q’s spokesmansaid it was now considering its next step. “We remain committed to bringing forward high quality family homes at Cat Hill,” he added.
Enfield Today