On Monday evening, Theresa Villiers, MP for Chipping Barnet, joined over three hundred local residents and East Barnet Ward Councillors, Robert Rams and Joanna Tambourides, at a public meeting at the Church and Monastery of Christ the King on Bramley Road, to discuss the proposed redevelopment of Middlesex University’s Cat Hill Campus.
The Enfield site was sold by Middlesex University to L&Q Housing Association as part of the university’s plans to focus learning at its Hendon Campus from September. However, plans for the site, which include building nearly three hundred new dwellings, some up to six storeys high, have been met with fierce opposition by local residents in both Barnet and Enfield, who feel that the development is completely out of character with the area, will destroy wildlife habitats and place immense pressure on local infrastructure.
Speaking at the meeting, Theresa said, “I am fully behind residents in opposing this development. It's too high, too dense, it involves far too many flats and would generate major congestion and parking problems.”
“I am urging residents to join me in sending letters of objection to Enfield Council.”
“I am deeply concerned about the sheer size of the proposed development which, if built, will be a ‘blot on the landscape’ of surrounding family homes and quiet residential streets.”
"The influx of an extra three hundred households will place untold pressure on local schools, roads and facilities.”
“The impact it would have on the local environment is also a concern. In particular, the threat to trees, many of which have been there for centuries, will be immense.”
Councillor Robert Rams said, “My residents are rightly appalled by the plans put forward by the developers. East Barnet Ward Councillors will be doing everything possible to ensure that the development does not go ahead in its current form. We will oppose it at every stage.”
Residents have until 2nd August 2011 to send their objections to Enfield Council. A final decision is due to be taken in the Autumn.