Tower blocks up to 16 storeys high look set to be built in an area of low-rise homes after councillors waved through a developer’s plans.

Stonegate Homes has won permission to build 148 flats at a former industrial site in Green Street, Enfield Highway.

The decision means three blocks of up to five, 12 and 16 storeys can be built at the site, subject to the Mayor of London’s approval.

The blocks will be significantly taller than the two-storey semi-detached homes to the north of the site, as well as the three and four-storey flats to the south and south-west.

Members of the planning committee narrowly gave the go-ahead on Tuesday, despite hearing a range of concerns from residents and fellow councillors.

Speaking at the meeting, local resident Sam Nanji claimed there had been “inadequate consultation”, as people without internet access had been unable to take part.

He added that the blocks would be 4.5 times higher than surrounding buildings, describing them as an “eyesore” that would “significantly alter the character of the surrounding area”.

“Only 15 per cent (of the units) are three-bedroom, and this mix contravenes Enfield’s own market assessment plans,” Mr Nanji said. “Why would you allow that to go ahead?”

Cllr Christine Hamilton (Labour, Enfield Highway) called for the application to be deferred and considered after the coronavirus pandemic had ended, to allow for a better consultation.

But Gill Eaton, of planning consultants Iceni Projects, described the scheme as a “high-quality development with a high quantum of affordable homes”. The development will provide 50 per cent affordable homes by habitable room and 48 per cent by unit.

Ms Eaton said: “The location for this density of development is supported, and the design addresses all the local considerations, such as daylight, sunlight, overlooking and overshadowing.

“The scheme utilises a brownfield site, thereby reducing pressure on the green belt elsewhere in the borough, and provides modern, new, flexible commercial space.”

Ms Eaton claimed the height of the towers enabled the 50 per cent affordable housing level to be provided.

Several committee members criticised the plans. Cllr Mike Rye (Conservative, Town) said the towers would have an overbearing impact on the housing in the area. Cllr Hass Yusuf (Labour, Chase) said he agreed they would be an “eyesore”.

Cllr Maria Alexandrou (Conservative, Winchmore Hill) added: “We keep accepting one-bed flats. Unless we start building three-bed family housing, we are not supporting residents.”

But council officers defended the development. Planning officer David Gittens said the council had sent 621 letters to residents during an initial consultation and the same number during a second consultation. He added that the Government had been clear the planning process should continue during the pandemic.

Mr Gittens said many of the two-bedroom units would be large enough for small families. Added to the three-bedroom homes, they would push the family housing level close to the council’s target, he claimed.

After the debate, Cllrs Maria Alexandrou, Kate Anolue, Mike Rye, Jim Steven and Hass Yusuf voted against the scheme. Cllrs Mahym Bedekova, Elif Erbil, Susan Erbil, Ahmet Hasan, Ergin Erbil and Sinan Boztas voted in favour.

As an application of strategic importance to London, it will now be referred to Mayor of London Sadiq Khan.

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