Author Archives: betterhomesenfield

Shared Ownership homes at Meridian Water have gone on sale, but can local people afford them?

The first ‘affordable’ Shared Ownership flats at Enfield Council’s Meridian Water development are now being advertised, but costs for these homes are well above what most local people can afford. [1] New two-bedroom homes on the development are currently priced between £427,000 and £590,000. [2] This means that acquiring the minimum 50% Shared Ownership stakeContinue reading “Shared Ownership homes at Meridian Water have gone on sale, but can local people afford them?”

Apparently, the Meridian Water Masterplan is complete, so why isn’t it published and why weren’t the public consulted?

In a recent report, Enfield Council announced that they’re intending to cut the number of employees working on the regeneration of Meridian Water from 45 to 20. One of the reasons given for letting go more than half the staff, is that the Masterplan is now complete. [1] This means the Council has completed theContinue reading “Apparently, the Meridian Water Masterplan is complete, so why isn’t it published and why weren’t the public consulted?”

Uncertainty about the future of the Shires estate

Bad tempered Council meeting ends in uncertainty and frustration for residents. Cheshire House and Shropshire House are 18-storey tower blocks on the Shires estate in Edmonton. The blocks were built in the 1960s and house 204 families.  People living in the blocks have experienced ongoing problems such as persistent mould, due to decades of underContinue reading “Uncertainty about the future of the Shires estate”

No new Social Rent Housing in Enfield for past 2 years.

The latest affordable housing data shows that no new Social Rent homes have been built in Enfield for at least two years.  Figures also show that the number of newly built ‘London Affordable Rent’ homes fell from 136 to 129. This bucks the London wide trend which recorded a 25% increase in Social Rent completionsContinue reading “No new Social Rent Housing in Enfield for past 2 years.”

Council proposes demolition of successful venue

“The Drumsheds” at Meridian Water will be known to many people as a popular music and clubbing venue, however the Council now wants to demolish The Drumsheds as part of its plans to regenerate the area. The Drumsheds has hosted a wide range of events in recent years, such as Field Day, which was attendedContinue reading “Council proposes demolition of successful venue”

Spiralling costs and delays at Meridian Water

Enfield Council’s regeneration of Meridian Water appears to be in the midst of a vicious circle of spiralling costs and delays. The cost of building essential infrastructure (e.g. roads and bridges) at Meridian Water has escalated due to delays in the design process, extended contract negotiations, and inflation. As a result Enfield Council now needsContinue reading “Spiralling costs and delays at Meridian Water”

Census reveals why building more housing won’t be enough to solve Enfield’s housing crisis   

The UK is in the midst of a housing crisis. Rent and property prices are unaffordable for an increasing number of families, and rates of homelessness are rising. The London Borough of Enfield has been particularly hard hit and has one of the highest rates of homelessness in the country, as well as very highContinue reading “Census reveals why building more housing won’t be enough to solve Enfield’s housing crisis   “

The lessons of the Grenfell Tower fire must be learned

Today [19/12/22] we delivered copies of Peter Apps’ book ‘Show Me the Bodies: How We Let Grenfell Happen’ to Enfield Council.   We have gifted copies of the book to Council Executives, in the hope that it will prompt them to revise the design of the tall buildings planned for its Meridian Water development. LocalContinue reading “The lessons of the Grenfell Tower fire must be learned”

Planning policies designed to protect the health and safety of vulnerable renters in Enfield are not being enforced.

Research shows that fewer than 1 in 10 HMOs in Enfield have planning permission and there is an 85% decline in planning enforcement. Enfield Council is now one of the worst performing boroughs in London for issuing Planning Contravention and Enforcement Notices. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS What is an HMO? A house in multiple occupancy (HMO)Continue reading “Planning policies designed to protect the health and safety of vulnerable renters in Enfield are not being enforced.”