Category Archives: Uncategorized

There’s a housing crisis, but the number of empty homes in Enfield is the highest in nearly 20 years

Government data shows there were over 4,500 empty homes across Enfield at the end of 2025, the highest number recorded in nearly 20 years. Bringing empty homes back into use is not the one answer to Enfield’s housing crisis. But it is one of the few levers that can add homes back into use relativelyContinue reading “There’s a housing crisis, but the number of empty homes in Enfield is the highest in nearly 20 years”

Enfield Council has been amongst the worst in London for building new Social Rent homes.

Since 2010, Enfield has gone backwards on Social Rent housing. Social Rent (including London Affordable Rent) is the only genuinely affordable housing option for many of Enfield’s households, including people stuck in temporary accommodation and families living in overcrowded or insecure private rented homes. So, when we talk about “housing delivery,” we cannot just talkContinue reading “Enfield Council has been amongst the worst in London for building new Social Rent homes.”

What type of homes will be built at Crews Hill and Chase Park?

Introduction and Summary The Government’s New Towns Taskforce (NTT) published its report in September 2025. It recommended that land at Crews Hill & Chase Park (CH&CP) be considered as a potential site for a new town, capable of delivering 21,000 new homes. The Government’s response listed CH&CP as one of the three most promising locationsContinue reading “What type of homes will be built at Crews Hill and Chase Park?”

Enfield’s New Local Plan: A Missed Opportunity to Control Adult Gaming Centres

Enfield Council has spent over £7 million preparing its new Local Plan intended to shape Enfield for the next 15 years. Yet despite this significant investment, the Plan fails to adequately address the growing number of adult gaming centres and betting shops on Enfield’s high streets. In a recent Enfield Dispatch article, local community groupContinue reading “Enfield’s New Local Plan: A Missed Opportunity to Control Adult Gaming Centres”

Where Has £650,000 of Meridian Water Community Chest Money Gone?

In 2021 Enfield Council established the Meridian Water Community Chest which promised to transform the lives of residents in Edmonton. Four years on, it Is unclear what has happened to £650,000 of the fund that was supposed to be distributed to benefit the community. Despite the Council’s commitment to regular grant rounds and reporting, theContinue reading “Where Has £650,000 of Meridian Water Community Chest Money Gone?”

Risks of Removing HMO Policies in Enfield’s New Local Plan

Enfield’s proposed new Local Plan has sparked considerable debate and is currently being examined by the Government’s Planning Inspector. One concern we have about the Plan, is the absence of policies for Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs). HMOs are houses or flats that are shared by 3+ tenants who form two or more households andContinue reading “Risks of Removing HMO Policies in Enfield’s New Local Plan”

Another community park in Edmonton is at risk as Enfield Council propose to redevelop Kenninghall Open Space.

Kenninghall Open Space in Edmonton is one of the few accessible green spaces in the area and is an important asset for the local community. For example, this Sunday (10/09/2023) the park will host the Kenninghall Festival to celebrate food harvested by local growers [Figure 1].  Figure 1 – Source: Enfield Council (2023); Flyer advertisingContinue reading “Another community park in Edmonton is at risk as Enfield Council propose to redevelop Kenninghall Open Space.”

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?”

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”