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”
Tag Archives: affordable housing
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.”
Alma Estate Redevelopment: Planning approval setback for affordable housing in Enfield
Introduction The redevelopment of the Alma Estate in Ponders End marks a significant transformation for this post-war estate. Initially approved in 2017, the project aimed to create a modern, sustainable community by demolishing 746 homes and constructing 993 new ones. Subsequent planning applications have increased the number of homes to 1,080, and last night, Enfield’sContinue reading “Alma Estate Redevelopment: Planning approval setback for affordable housing in Enfield”
Meridian Water: A cautionary tale of unrealistic expectations
In 2009/10, Enfield Council claimed over 2,500 new homes would be built at Meridian Water by 2023/24. However, only 20 have been completed – that’s less than 1% of the projected number. [1,2] The council’s projections for housing delivery at Meridian Water were based on ‘extensive work’ and ‘conservative’ start dates, and were accepted byContinue reading “Meridian Water: A cautionary tale of unrealistic expectations”
The Planning Game
Enfield Council’s Planning Committee recently allowed an applicant to reduce the number of social rent homes on a previously approved application from 46 down to zero, showing how developers are able to play the system. The controversial scheme in Brimsdown was initially approved in December 2020 on the basis that 46 of the 148Continue reading “The Planning Game”
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?”
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.”
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 “
Building in Green Belt areas will not deliver the affordable housing Enfield Council claims
There is an urgent need for more affordable housing. Enfield needs around 10,500 affordable homes, including 3,500 Social Rent homes with 3+ bedrooms. These family homes are needed to provide permanent and safe housing for the thousands of families with children currently living in temporary accommodation and in other unsuitable conditions across Enfield e.g. inContinue reading “Building in Green Belt areas will not deliver the affordable housing Enfield Council claims”
A new “urban character” approved for Chase Farm
On Tuesday evening, Enfield Council’s Planning Committee approved new plans for the Chase Farm hospital site, which will set “a new urban character” for this area of Enfield. The plans fail to deliver enough affordable homes for key workers and fail to deliver the family sized homes that Enfield needs. There are already 138 newContinue reading “A new “urban character” approved for Chase Farm”
Better Homes Enfield 