The Enfield Council’s planning committee recently approved a six-storey development on brownfield land in Palmerston Crescent, close to the North Circular Road in Palmers Green. The project includes 31 homes, 14 of which will be affordable. Despite being designed to be “car free,” concerns have been raised regarding its impact on local parking. The approval of the plans occurred during a meeting where councillors voted in favor. The development will feature three-bedroom, two-bedroom, and one-bedroom homes, with only three wheelchair-accessible parking spaces proposed at the North Circular Road-end of Palmerston Crescent.

Neighbors have expressed objections due to anticipated parking pressures in the area. The developer, Crossier Properties, will contribute towards the establishment of a controlled parking zone (CPZ) in Palmerston Crescent and Elmdale Road to alleviate these concerns. CPZs restrict parking to designated hours and bays. However, concerns have been raised by committee member Lee Chamberlain regarding the viability of the scheme and the potential impact of car-free developments on other locations.

Chris Cole, Enfield’s head of strategic transport policy and planning, highlighted the development’s good public transport accessibility rating. He reassured that the boundaries of the CPZ will be carefully planned to prevent an overflow of parked cars onto neighboring streets. The establishment of the CPZ will be influenced by the developer, with the council aiming to provide ample time for design and public consultation.

The plan was ultimately approved with ten committee members voting in favor and one abstaining.