Transport for London (TfL) has received approval from the UK government to advance its housing development plans at Cockfosters Tube station in Enfield. 

The development is set to offer approximately 350 new homes, with 40% classified as affordable housing.  

This move comes after the Greater London Authority Act mandated TfL to seek consent for the disposal of operational land, which has now been granted for a 250-year lease. 

The consent allows TfL to proceed with the sale of land currently used for parking at Cockfosters station.  

The initial request for permission, made in 2021, was rejected by the then secretary of state.  

However, the current approval paves the way for the proposed 1.36ha car-free development, which secured planning permission from Enfield Council in February 2022. 

London mayor Sadiq Khan said: “After the previous government refused to approve the plans, I’m delighted that the new government has given us the green light to progress exciting plans for new homes at Cockfosters station. Building homes right next to public transport connections is a key part of our plans to deliver the high-quality homes Londoners need. 

“This important project will deliver new commercial space, increase green space and, most importantly, it will provide the affordable housing that I have pledged to deliver for Londoners. I look forward to continuing working with the government to build a better, fairer and more prosperous London for everyone.” 

Parking provisions, including for Blue Badge holders, will be maintained at the station.  

The project also aims to deliver new commercial spaces, enhance the surrounding area, and expand operational space for TfL. 

Design features of the scheme include improved public access to Trent Park and the London Outer Orbital Path.  

Additionally, the development is expected to provide approximately 4,200m² of publicly accessible open space for community use.  

TfL will now focus on updating the designs to meet the latest fire safety standards and coordinate with the local council on any necessary alterations. 

Places for London, TfL’s property division, is actively working on several projects across the UK capital.  

The Cockfosters project will contribute to its goal of initiating the construction of 20,000 homes, half of which will be affordable, by 2031.  

In February this year, TfL appointed infrastructure solutions provider Costain to carry out refurbishment work on two junctions in the city.