New proposals lodged for Cat Hill (From Enfield Independent)

New proposals lodged for former Middlesex University campus at Cat Hill

8:30am Saturday 13th October 2012 in News By Hermione Wright

A housing association has lodged new plans for the redevelopment of the former Middlesex University campus in Cockfosters.

L&Q is proposing to build 232 homes in Cat Hill – 18 fewer than the original plans which were rejected in March.

The association would like to build the houses out of traditional building materials, including brick, to create “well-designed homes” that “match the character” of the area.

Under the new plans, the proposed apartment buildings facing the Cat Hill roundabout have also been cut from six storeys to four.

Instead of building homes in the south-west pond area, L&Q claims it would like to enhance the habitat by encouraging the return of the great crested newt through a 25-year woodland management plan.

The conservation strategy aims to conserve mature oak trees in the site and encourage native woodland species to improve the “diversity and value” of the woodland habitat for wildlife.

Andy Rowland, land and projects director at L&Q, said: “L&Q is proposing 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.”

The association has pledged to spend £150,000 on apprenticeships in the borough as supporting Enfield Borough Council with services including education.

Hundreds of campaigners fought against L&Q’s original proposals. They were concerned crime rates would increase if more people moved to the area and claimed it would bring added pressure to transport links in Enfield and Barnet.

They also said development would damage the area's wildlife, including the endangered great crested newts.

The opponents raised their concerns regarding the risk of increased crime rates if more people move to the area and the added pressure it would bring to the transport links in Enfield and Barnet, which the campaigners suggest are already filled to capacity.

The housing association, which already owns the land, are fighting to change the use of the site from educational to residential.