A plan to build flats up to seven storeys high on the car parks of a Grade II-listed Tube station has been recommended for approval.

Planning chiefs at Enfield Council say Transport for London and Grainger’s bid to build four housing blocks at Arnos Grove Underground Station “aligns with relevant local, regional and national policies”.

If it is approved by councillors, the build-to-rent scheme will provide 162 homes, with 40 per cent classed as affordable by habitable room.

The development would lead to the loss of 292 parking spaces, with only 21 retained for blue badge holders and station staff.

It is one of several similar schemes planned for Underground station car parks across north London, including Cockfosters, High Barnet and Finchley Central.

The report by planning officers reveals the council received 98 responses to the full planning application and 28 responses to the listed building consent application, with only three in support of the proposals.

Enfield Southgate MP Bambos Charalambous was among the opponents, warning the scheme would be an “overdevelopment” and displaced parking would “impact hugely on nearby local roads”.

Cllr Daniel Anderson (Community First, Southgate Green) also objected, claiming even the affordable homes would be out of reach of most people in the borough and warning the development would lead to congestion and parking problems.

According to the planning report, the council also received two petitions against the plans – one submitted by Cllr Anderson with 32 signatures and another with 33 signatures.

This is despite the fact that the petition by Cllr Anderson against the development on Change.org has gained more than 3,000 signatures.

Those listed in support include The Enfield Society, which stated that the scheme would provide affordable homes while protecting the views of the Grade II-listed building. Enfield’s conservation advisory group also expressed support, providing there is “strict conditioning of materials”, the report adds.

Planning officers say the development would create an “improved setting” for the Tube station, creating a new public square to the west of the station building.

It would also lead to a reduction in road traffic and help meet the council’s aim for Enfield to become carbon neutral by 2040, they claim.

With a target of providing 1,246 new homes, officers add that the borough needs to optimise all options in terms of housing delivery – particularly on existing brownfield sites and transport hubs.

The planning report continues: “The applicants have carried out comprehensive surveys of the use of the existing car park and have concluded that a clear majority of drivers have alternative forms of public transport available to them. The applicants’ surveys also indicate that most people live within walking distance of another London Underground station or National Rail station.”

The plans are due to be discussed at a meeting of Enfield Council’s planning committee on Tuesday, November 24. The meeting will be broadcast live over the internet from 7.30pm. More details are available here.