temporary accommodation – Better Homes Enfield

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”

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.”

Why are Enfield’s planning officers blocking affordable housing?

Plans to build affordable housing on a vacant site in Enfield have been recommended for refusal by Enfield’s planning officers. (1) This is very surprising as the scheme would deliver 106 flats, of which 100% would be London Affordable Rent (LAR). These flats would therefore help get over 100 families out of temporary accommodation. MostContinue reading “Why are Enfield’s planning officers blocking affordable housing?”

Is Enfield Council still housing residents outside the borough?

Data shows that Enfield Council is housing residents in converted office blocks outside the borough.

We need a better understanding of homelessness

Rates of homelessness in Enfield are amongst the highest in England. There are 11,000 people living in emergency temporary accommodation in Enfield, including 5,000 children. Each year around 650 families in Enfield become homeless and need emergency temporary accommodation. Rates of homelessness fluctuate, but since 2010 there has been a significant increase in the numbersContinue reading “We need a better understanding of homelessness”

Why are Enfield residents spending years living in temporary accommodation?

More than 11,000 Enfield residents live in temporary accommodation, including 5,000 children – but this accommodation is anything but temporary.Brickfield House (pictured) is a converted office block on Southbury Road. This converted block contains well over a hundred temporary accommodation “units”, most of which are smaller than the minimum size normally allowed for a singleContinue reading “Why are Enfield residents spending years living in temporary accommodation?”