Major Development Proposed for North London Green Belt
A government plan to construct a new town featuring 21,000 homes on protected Green Belt land in the London Borough of Enfield has ignited a fierce public debate. The proposal, shortlisted by the government’s New Towns Taskforce, targets an 884-hectare area that includes Crews Hill and Chase Park.
This large-scale development is a central part of the strategy by both Enfield Council and the Greater London Authority (GLA) to tackle the capital's severe housing shortage. Official documents indicate a commitment to high standards of sustainable development, with an ambitious goal of delivering up to 50% affordable housing to help address London's soaring property prices.
Blueprint for a New Community
The vision for the new town extends beyond housing. The development blueprint promises extensive social infrastructure designed to create a complete community. This includes plans for new schools, local centres, and large public parks aimed at fostering community well-being and cohesion.
The initial phase of the project is set to deliver approximately 9,000 homes. This will be coupled with significant enhancements to transport connectivity and improved access to natural green spaces for residents.
Local and Political Opposition Mounts
Despite the official backing, the plans have been met with resolute opposition from local action groups and conservation charities. Organisations including Enfield RoadWatch and CPRE London are leading the charge against what they describe as a threat to a valuable ecological area.
Critics argue that the Crews Hill site is unsuitable for such intensive development. A key point of contention is the current inadequate public transport. While Crews Hill has a railway station, it currently services only two trains per hour, and the nearest Tube station is over four miles away, raising concerns about strain on existing infrastructure.
Carol Fisk, of the Enfield RoadWatch Action Group, voiced strong criticism in a recent webinar, stating, ‘The Green Belt land was described as poor quality. We don’t think it is. It’s very rich in wildlife. It’s used for arable and grazing land.’ She dismissed the official report as ‘built on smoke and mirrors’ and asserted, ‘It’s not the right place for a new town. We just need to stop it.’
The political opposition is equally firm. Councillor Alessandro Georgiou, leader of the Conservative opposition in Enfield, has publicly stated he is ‘completely opposed’ to the building plans for Crews Hill.
A London-Wide Dilemma
This situation highlights a critical challenge for London's policymakers: balancing the urgent need for more affordable homes with the protection of cherished Green Belt environments. Enfield Council is currently engaging the public through ongoing consultations, emphasising the importance of resident participation in shaping the future of the proposed settlement.
The debate in Enfield encapsulates the wider struggle to manage growth in one of the world's most expensive cities without undermining its vital ecological and community assets.
