TfL explains 'delays' to 162 homes at London Underground station as line upgraded

View of main elevation showing circular drum of Arnos Grove Underground Station
-Credit: (Image: Grant Smith/View Pictures/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)


Transport for London (TfL) has explained 'delays' to the development of more than 160 new homes at a Tube station. In 2022, property giant Grainger was given the go-ahead for 162 new flats at the Grade II listed Arnos Grove station after the Government’s Planning Inspectorate stepped in.

Enfield Council’s planning committee, Inside Housing reports, rejected proposals from Connected Living London (CLL) in 2021 for the scheme on two car parks at the Piccadilly line stop. This was in part because the proposal 'did not allow enough family housing' and would result in the loss of car parking space.

The current site has capacity for 297 vehicles. Now, TfL has explained that the development's 'initial phase' has been completed, but designs need to be looked at again before the next stage can begin.

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Heavy traffic on the North Circular Nr Arnos Grove A406 / A1110 junction
Plans were initially rejected partly because of concern over the loss of car parking space at the station -Credit:Phil Harris

In response to a freedom of information request, an officer said: "Our property company – Places for London – is working alongside Grainger to provide 162 new homes on land adjacent to Arnos Grove Tube station. The partnership – Connected Living London – has completed the initial phase at Arnos Grove, and before it could start the next phase it needed to revisit the designs in response to updated building safety regulations published by the Government earlier this year.

"Connected Living London submitted a non-material amendment planning application to Enfield Council for consideration, and the amendments – changes to the internal layout for one building – have now been approved. The partnership has progressed detailed design and expects to start the next phase in 2025 once a Main Contractor has been selected.

"Over the past month, the site has been utilised by Transport for London (TfL) to access the Piccadilly line tracks, as part of the upgrade programme ahead of the new trains arriving." The authority added that the project's website continues to be updated with the latest information including when the partnership expects the next phase to start.

Access needed for line upgrade prep

The officer also said: "Prior to starting on site, CLL will introduce the Main Contractor via a drop-in session and provide an update to those who live and work nearby. Once a Main Contractor is appointed, the partnership will be able to provide an expected completion date."

In addition, experts have had to access the site, TfL added, as part of preparation for an upgrade to the Piccadilly line, which includes new trains. The officer said: "Connected Living London has remained available to everyone to get in touch via the project website, and the partnership notified people who live nearby upon completing the initial phase.

"It provided information about TfL accessing the site to deliver part of the Piccadilly Upgrade Programme, and will continue to keep the website updated with the latest information."

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