Campaigners are “furious” Enfield Borough Council passed plans last night to build more than 200 homes in a former university site.

During a special planning meeting, the authority waved through proposals from developers L&Q to demolish the Middlesex University buildings in Cat Hill and replace them with 232 homes.

Lead campaigner Kim Coleman is devastated by the news, but is determined to continue the fight against the major development – which she believes would "destroy" Cockfosters.

She warned protests and demonstrations against L&Q’s development should be expected over the coming weeks.

She said: “We are absolutely furious and we are obviously not going to stop. We are not going to leave this.

“Residents have been really supportive and they have rung me today saying ‘what are we going to do next?’ We are not going to give up."

She added: “It is going to destroy Cockfosters, there’s no doubt about that.

"It’ll mean increased traffic, and it is hard enough now to get a doctor’s appointment. Car parking is going to be a nightmare.”

Ms Coleman, who has been fighting the proposals for two years, told the Enfield Independent she is meeting her barrister and solicitor today and tomorrow to discuss the next plan of action.

Although she said she “can’t comment” on the next steps in detail until she has had her discussions, she said she plans to lobby the Mayor of London Boris Johnson in the coming weeks to encourage him to reject the development.

However, L&Q’s land and projects director, Andy Rowland, is pleased the plans were approved last night.

He told the Enfield Independent:  “We are very pleased that the planning committee has approved our plans for Cat Hill.

“We will build well designed homes that match the character of the local area.

"As long-term stewards of the Cat Hill ponds, we will manage the woodland and boost species diversity.

“We look forward to working with the council, residents and other stakeholders to take the plans forward.”

Councillor Henry Lamprecht, who has been campaigning against the plans, said it is “awful” the Labour-led council gave the plans the go ahead.

The Conservative councillor, who leads Southgate Green, added: “It is very disappointing. It’s a real shame.”

He urged people to write to Mr Johnson’s office immediately to encourage him to reject the plans.