Hundreds of homes could be built at tube stations in Enfield to help ease the capital’s housing shortage.

Plans drawn up by Transport for London (TfL) could see 400 homes built at Cockfosters and 150 at Arnos Grove underground stations, alongside new commercial and public spaces.

The schemes form a wider housebuilding project that aims to provide 3,000 homes at TfL-owned sites across London, with a minimum of 40 per cent classed as affordable.

But while building on brownfield sites would help protect undeveloped land, the plans also mean the stations’ commuter car parks could be lost.

The proposals are still in the early stages of development and would eventually need to be approved by Enfield Council’s planning committee.

Major housing schemes have also been unveiled for High Barnet and Finchley Central tube stations.

The Enfield homes, provided by property firm Grainger, would be rented out rather than sold.

As well as providing money to invest in the transport network, TfL says the schemes would help “to encourage a shift to more sustainable modes of public transport and car-free developments”.

The Mayor of London’s New London Plan states that almost 1,900 homes need to be built in Enfield every year during the next decade – almost four times the current rate of housebuilding.

Enfield Council’s local plan prioritises already developed brownfield sites such as transport hubs but does not rule out building on a “small segment of the green belt”.

Both underground stations would remain open during construction.

Graeme Craig, director of commercial development at TfL, said: “Build to Rent is a really exciting programme and we’re thrilled at the prospect of working with Grainger plc to build the homes that our city desperately needs.

“It provides us with an unrivalled opportunity to deliver affordable, high quality homes at pace, including at Cockfosters and Arnos Grove, while also generating significant ongoing revenue to reinvest into the transport network.

TfL said it is keen to hear the views of the local communities and allow them to contribute to the development of the proposals.

More information about the projects can also be found at the websites www.cockfostersconsultation.com and www.arnosgroveconsultation.com, by emailingkharris@conciliocomms.com or by calling 020 3890 7318.