In an unexpected turn of events at City Hall last week, Enfield’s Local Plan public inquiry kicked off with a groundbreaking statement from Mayor Sadiq Khan. For the first time, Khan acknowledged that releasing protected Green Belt land to address housing shortages in London has become “unavoidable.” This shift in stance marks a pivotal moment for the borough’s proposed master planning document, shedding light on the broader implications of national government policy on London’s development landscape.
The Enfield plan, a roadmap outlining the council’s development vision until 2041, has sparked controversy by proposing the construction of approximately 9,000 new homes on two Green Belt sites in the northern part of the borough – a move previously rejected by the Mayor. Despite Khan’s continued opposition to these specific plans, he surprised many by submitting an alternative proposal to the inquiry inspector. This new plan suggests the development of up to 12,000 homes in a different area of Enfield, encompassing the Oakwood and Cockfosters London Underground stations and part of Trent Country Park.
While the Mayor’s proposal was met with criticism from Enfield Conservative group leader Alessandro Georgiou, who labeled it a “crusade against our parks,” Transport for London clarified that it was merely a demonstration of a more effective way to utilize Green Belt land in Enfield. This preemptive move by Khan hints at his forthcoming review of London’s Green Belt, which will dictate city-wide policies for releasing such land that all boroughs must adhere to.
The timing of Khan’s intervention is crucial, driven by the urgency to respond to the government’s recent relaxation of Green Belt restrictions and a new target of 88,000 new homes annually in London. While Khan remains committed to prioritizing brownfield site development, he acknowledges that achieving the 88,000 homes target within the city’s existing urban boundaries may not be feasible. Consequently, some Green Belt release may be necessary to accommodate London’s growing housing needs.
Enfield, facing a significant housing shortfall, argues that modest Green Belt release is essential to prevent speculative and inappropriate development in the protected areas. However, recent changes in government policy have made it clear that the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) can supersede local plans, opening up many more Green Belt sites to potential development.
City Hall contends that Enfield’s proposed sites, with inadequate housing capacity and poor transportation links, do not maximize the potential of the Green Belt land. The Mayor’s call for sustainable, well-connected neighborhoods underscores his commitment to ensuring any Green Belt release aligns with London’s housing and environmental goals. As the inquiry unfolds, Khan’s push for sustainable development will shape the future of Enfield’s planning decisions and set a precedent for other councils across the city.
As the inquiry progresses, discussions will delve into Khan’s recommendations for delaying the plan to incorporate his criteria, revising the plan with input from new area plans, or removing Enfield’s proposed Green Belt sites altogether. While the inquiry continues until Friday, additional sessions are slated for later this spring or early summer. Khan’s proactive approach is redefining the Green Belt debate, signaling a new chapter in London’s quest for balanced development.
For those interested in following the inquiry’s proceedings, all sessions are available for viewing on YouTube. The comprehensive coverage provided by OnLondon.co.uk offers a unique perspective on the city’s politics, development, and culture. Support their work with a nominal fee to access exclusive content and insights that others may miss. Stay informed, stay engaged, and be a part of shaping London’s future.
