A councillor’s petition against flats planned for Arnos Grove Underground Station has gained more than 2,000 signatures.

Cllr Daniel Anderson (Labour, Southgate Green) is calling for a re-think of proposals to build 150 flats at the tube station, warning it would cause more traffic and parking problems in surrounding streets.

When he was Enfield Council’s cabinet member for environment, Cllr Anderson helped mastermind Cycle Enfield and other green initiatives.

But Transport for London’s plan to build over almost all the tube station’s car parking spaces is a step too far for the Southgate Green councillor.

Cllr Anderson said: “I don’t know anyone in the surrounding streets or in the vicinity who thinks this is a good idea. It is idealistic, not realistic.

“Idealism is great, but I believe you fuse that with realism and end up with pragmatism. I’m afraid this has not been thought through.”

Cllr Anderson warned the scheme was likely to increase congestion and parking problems, as commuters would leave their cars in surrounding roads.

This would lead to more and more people “concreting over their drives” to provide parking spaces.

Cllr Anderson said: “That is not good for the environment. It will cause flash flooding.

“The housing is not even affordable. They use the term affordable, but it won’t be affordable to Enfield residents.”

Cllr Anderson thinks the homes would be bought by people from inner London, who would probably spend their money in the city centre and come home in the evenings – meaning local businesses would not see much of a benefit.

He said: “I can’t see the benefit whatsoever to the area.”

According to TfL, surveys it has carried out show a third of Arnos Grove station’s car park users are within walking distance of an underground station and half are within walking distance of a national rail station.

Grainger and TfL are in discussions with Enfield Council about giving housing priority to people who live or work in the borough.

A TfL spokesperson said: “Our proposals for the site by Arnos Grove Tube station would provide around 150 new homes, with 40 per cent affordable housing.

“We need to encourage a shift to more sustainable modes of transport, and closing the car park and improving pedestrian and cycling facilities will help achieve this.

“Our assessment has also shown that many of those who use the car park have alternative stations or bus routes that serve Arnos Grove Tube station.

“We recently held a second round of engagement with the local community to hear and understand local people’s priorities and aspirations for the area.

“The feedback is currently being analysed and we will update local people and elected representatives early next year.”

Cllr Anderson’s petition is available here: https://www.change.org/p/sadiq-khan-let-s-stop-tfls-proposed-development-of-the-car-parks-at-arnos-grove-station