Tower blocks up to 29 storeys high could be built at a retail park in Enfield.

NEAT Developments wants to build up to 1,800 homes at Colosseum Retail Park, which lies just off the A10 between Enfield Town and Ponders End.

The developer, which has teamed up with site owner BlackRock, says affordable housing and employment space will be created as part of a “vibrant and inclusive urban centre”.

But plans to build three tower blocks rising to 29, 24 and 18 storeys have already sparked opposition from Enfield’s Conservative Group.

Conservative leader Cllr Joanne Laban claimed the size and location of the blocks could pose a safety risk and urged the council not to entertain the plans.

Cllr Laban said: “I would have thought after the Grenfell Tower tragedy that tower blocks would not be a favourable choice of design.

“The tallest tower block is, in fact, taller than Grenfell Tower. London Fire Brigade still do not have the larger ladders required to deal with a fire in a block that tall.

“The proposals will also increase the number of people living on top of one of the most polluted roads not just in Enfield but in London.”

Cllr Laban claimed the developer-led consultation did not ask about the height of the buildings, which she said would “alter the skyline forever”.

But a spokesperson for NEAT Developments said: “In locations such as this, with excellent transport links, well-planned, well-constructed and well-managed tall buildings are entirely appropriate.

“They allow more homes to be built, more affordable homes and allow much more open, green space that ultimately creates a better and more pleasant place to live, work, and visit.”

The spokesperson said the proposals had been designed to reduce the noise and air quality effects of the A10 and would meet UK and international standards.

They added: “We have held a number of public consultation events over the past nine months, where the local community have had an opportunity to give their feedback on all aspects of the proposals.

“We have and will continue to consider all the feedback received as we finalise the plans ahead of submitting a planning application.”

Council leader Cllr Nesil Caliskan commented: “The priority is for us to have development schemes in the borough that are appropriate and of high quality while improving and enhancing the area.

“Of course, high quality and standards take into serious consideration height and design.”

The council leader said any plan that did not contain 40-50 per cent affordable homes “won’t be looked at favourably by the administration”.

Cllr Caliskan added: “In terms of the safety of Enfield residents in high rises – Cllr Laban really should join our efforts in lobbying the Conservative government hard to meet their commitment and responsibility to fund the safety measures for high-rise council buildings in our borough.

“This was a motion passed unanimously by full council in 2017.”

NEAT Developments expects to submit a planning application to Enfield Council in the autumn.

 

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