MORE than 500 residents turned out at a public meeting this to oppose plans to build hundreds of new homes at Middlesex University’s Cat Hill campus.

Residents say a valuable woodland area will be destroyed if the housing development is given the green light by planning officials from Enfield Council.

The university sold the land to L&Q Housing Association in February, as part of its plan to concentrate teaching at the Hendon campus in The Burroughs.

Plans to build 271 new homes, including five six-storey blocks, at the former campus in Chase Side, East Barnet, have now been submitted to planning chiefs at Enfield Council. The campaign against the
development is being led by residents Kim Coleman and Kate Prendegarst who
organised Monday’s meeting at Vita et Pax, in Bramley Road, Southgate. It was attended by councillors from Barnet and Enfield as well as Chipping Barnet MP Theresa Villiers.

Mrs Coleman told The Press: “This
development will affect an awful lot of
residents. It would not be in keeping with the area, the blocks are far too high.

“There is the destruction of woodland which lots of species use as their home –
we know there are newts and two species of bats which are all protected by European law that live there.

“We are looking at 1,200 people coming to live in that small area and there is a big
concern about parking. It is just far too intensive for the area.”

Ms Villiers added: “I am fully behind residents in opposing this development and I am urging people to send letters of objection to Enfield Council.

“The influx of an extra 300 households will place untold pressure on schools, roads and facilities. The impact it would have on the environment is also a concern. In particular, the threat to trees, many of which have been there for centuries, will be immense.”

The consultation period for the development ends on Tuesday.

A spokesman for L&Q said: “Our plans provide a high-quality sustainable
development, which we believe will enhance the character of the area and deliver much needed homes.

“The proposals respect the existing
vegetation and mature trees around the site, many of which will be retained.

“We will introduce a landscape and ecology management plan for the site to improve its ecological value, which will include the retention and enhancement of the existing ponds.”

Barnet Press

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