City and Suburban Homes won approval in December 2021 to build 182 homes, in blocks up to 19 storeys high, in Station Road, New Southgate, near the North Circular, with 30% of the homes set to be classed as affordable.
However, Enfield Council has now confirmed the application has been withdrawn.
City and Suburban Homes was approached to clarify the reason for the withdrawal, but did not respond.
The site, which is currently vacant, previously contained the last remaining gas holder that once formed part of New Southgate Gas Works.
Matt Burn, a housing campaigner from Better Homes Enfield, said he believed the reason for the withdrawal was “viability issues”.
He pointed out the site had been earmarked for housing in 2010 as part of the council’s core strategy, and again in 2011 as part of a New Southgate masterplan.
Mr Burn added: “It is now 14 to 15 years later and not a single home has been built, and the council now does not expect anything on the site until at least 2030.”
Asked how the news affects the council’s ability to meet its housebuilding targets, a spokesperson said: “We are aware that the planning application for the old gas site in New Southgate has been withdrawn. This site is still earmarked to be used mainly for housing in the future, as part of our proposed Local Plan.
“Even though development on this site will probably start after 2030, this will not impact our goals and plans to build enough family-sized affordable homes in Enfield.
“Our proposed Local Plan explains how we will provide the homes people need, using many different sites backed by solid evidence and planning.
“We are still strongly committed to growing in a sustainable way and making sure our residents have the homes they need.”