A decision on flats being built near the green belt has been postponed – but two new schools were given the go-ahead.

Councillors ran out of time to consider the application for six-storey blocks on site of former Chase Farm Hospital buildings at a meeting of the planning committee on Tuesday (November 3).

A two-storey primary school and a four-storey secondary school for a separate part of the site were approved during the meeting, providing teaching facilities for 1,260 pupils and around 120 staff.

The primary school will be run by One Degree Academy, while the secondary will be operated by Wren Academy.

Planning officers recommended the schools for approval, stating in their report that there is insufficient provision for education in the borough – particularly secondary provision in north-west Enfield.

During the meeting, a resident objected to the proposals, raising concerns over increased traffic and the potential for more parking problems in nearby streets.

Speaking in support of the plans, Gavin Smith, principal at the Wren Academy, said: “Enfield children deserve nothing less than the very best opportunities, buildings, facilities and staff in these schools.”

Aidan Sadgrove, principal at One Degree Academy, added: “Every day we try and change the life outcomes of our children through both great teaching and learning – but also through an inclusive culture, and encouraging our children to aim higher, do better and go further.”

After councillors raised concerns about traffic and parking, officers agreed to attach a condition for the schools’ starting and finishing times to be staggered to reduce the potential impact on neighbours.

Officers also assured members of the committee controls would be put in place to stop people parking on the public highway.

At the end of the debate, councillors voted unanimously in favour of the plans. The application for housing on the other part of the site will be considered at a future meeting of the committee.