Plans to build blocks of flats up to six storeys high on the site of former hospital buildings near the green belt have been recommended for approval. 

Council planning chiefs say the redevelopment of the former Chase Farm Hospital to provide up to 375 homes is an “appropriate development response” to the opportunities presented by the site, although they admit it is “not fully compliant with all policies”. 

Planning permission has already been granted for a replacement hospital, primary school and up to 500 homes, but a council report says the masterplan for the site has been revised due to the need for an additional secondary school in the area. The updated proposals will be considered at a meeting of the planning committee on Tuesday. 

If councillors grant permission, 20 per cent of the homes will be classed as affordable, according to the planning report. This is below the borough’s target of 40 per cent, with the developer submitting a report saying a higher level would not be financially viable. 

Although Enfield’s planning policies prioritise family-sized housing units, 79 per cent of the scheme is made up of one and two–bedroom units. Planning officers say many of these would be larger two–bedroom homes that could accommodate smaller families.  

The council received 59 objections to the scheme and four letters of support, as well as a petition against the proposals containing 164 signatures. 

Concerns raised by opponents include the heights of the buildings and the potential impact on the green belt, as well as increased levels of traffic and pollution. 

The planning report states: “Overall, while the proposed scheme is not fully compliant with all policies, it is considered to represent an appropriate development response to the opportunities presented by this site and the objectives of supporting and delivering a primary and secondary school on the site.” 

The planning committee meeting starts at 7.30pm on Tuesday and will be broadcast over the internet.