CAMPAIGNERS against the controversial Cat Hill plans aired their concerns at a planning panel meeting last night.

The meeting, organised by Enfield Council, took place at the Gladys Child Theatre, Southgate College, and had 300 people present.

It was a chance for those concerned with the development on the Middlesex University campus to put their questions to the developer.

People living close to the site are angry at the plans from housing association L&Q to build 272 flats and homes on the site.

Campaign leader Kim Coleman said: “We want them to know that we don’t want them to build there and show them how many people don’t want this development.

“It will destroy the local area, not just in terms of wildlife but with everything including infrastructure, traffic, health services.”

The meeting began with a presentation from the developers, outlining plans for the site and highlighted the areas of concern raised during the consultation period.

However the campaigners were angry and felt they had not been listened to and their issues had not been taken into account.

Dr Oliver Natelson of the campaign committee said: “I don’t like being treated like an idiot, but the developer is treating us all as if we are stupid.”

During the question session a number issues were raised including parking, impact on the character of the area, ecological effect and the impact on schools and health service.

Each issue raised was met with cheers of support from most of the 300 crowd.

On a several occasions Cllr Prescott had to call for order, due to passionate outbursts from people present.

He said: “I want to make it clear this is not the decision making forum, and the final decision will made by the planning committee and not the developer.

“All of the issues raised will be addressed by council officers.”

Kim Coleman ended the meeting setting out the main issues the campaigners had, including retaining the site for educational purposes, opposition scale and size of the build.

After the meeting she said: “It was just a platform for L&Q to plug their propaganda and we were not given the same chance to put our issues forward.”

“We are going to keep writing, emailing and phoning the council so they don’t forget about us and our campaign.”

The final decision on the development will be made by the Enfield Council planning committee, but no date has been set.