Green light for TfL to build homes on Cockfosters station car park

The Government has approved Transport for London’s application to build a housing development on land currently used for parking next to Cockfosters Tube station.

TfL said the proposed car-free development will deliver around 350 new homes, 40% of which will be “affordable”.

The project has had a long gestation period. Enfield Council granted planning permission for the project in February 2022, but the development was blocked by the then Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.

Transport Secretary Louise Haigh has now granted TfL a 250-year lease for the land. TfL said the project is part of its efforts to support the building of affordable homes across the capital.

TfL states that designs for the development will enhance access to local green space and replace much of the current surface with new trees and greenery.

The proposed 1.36 hectare car-free development was granted planning permission by Enfield Council in February 2022. Car parking options, including for Blue Badge holders, will still be retained at the station, said TfL. The scheme will also deliver new commercial space improvements to the local area around the station, it added.

The designs also improve public access to nearby Trent Park and the London Outer Orbital Path and have been designed to provide around 4,200 sqm [one acre] of publicly accessible open space for the local community, with the new trees and greenery replacing much of the current hard surface.    

Places for London, TfL’s property company, is working on several projects across the capital, which has set the target of starting construction of 20,000 homes, including 50% affordable housing, by 2031.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “After the previous government refused to approve the plans, I’m delighted that the new government has given us the green light to progress exciting plans for new homes at Cockfosters station.

“Building homes right next to public transport connections is a key part of our plans to deliver the high-quality homes Londoners need.”

Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said: “This Government is committed to getting Britain building and working with local leaders to boost regional growth.

 “I’m delighted to finally unblock this important project to kickstart the development of hundreds of much needed new homes in Enfield.”