GREEN BELT LAND AT ENFIELD ROAD UNDER THREAT

Many people should now be aware that there is a proposal by Fairview New Homes to build on Green Belt land on Enfield Road.

This land is not only Green Belt but an Area of Special Character as detailed and confirmed by Enfield Council.  Forming part of the Merryhills Brook Valley extending down to Boxer’s Lake and its Green Chain link, it performs an important function extending the Green Belt up to the urban edge and creating a separation between Slades Hill (World’s End) and Oakwood.  This forms an important and valuable connection passing through the Green Belt. 

For many years this land has been grazed by a number of horses and in the past used as a playground by local children. It contains both beautiful specimen ancient oak trees and hedgerows that are home to a diverse section of wildlife. 

The land is owned by the Diocese of London who entered into an agreement with Fairview Homes in 2010 to manage the land on their behalf.  However, last month Fairview Homes have begun to carry out soil testing and have submitted an application to Enfield Council for a ‘Scoping Report’.   This meaning to undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment to provide the local authority with information to form a decision on a future planning application they would like to submit. The planning proposal they will wish to submit is for an 8-form entry free school and a 4-form further education college and approx. 300 houses or flats.  Thus far no application has been submitted. 

Local residents, The Enfield Society, The Federation of Enfield Residents’ & Allied Associates (FERAA), The Western Enfield Residents Association, The Campaign for Rural England, The London Green Belt Council, The Green Party and Local Ward Councillors are against this development.  Southgate MP David Burrows has also stated his opposition to building on this green belt land.  Our new MP Joan Ryan at her coffee morning in July, stated she would also support her constituents. In fact currently the only people we are aware who are for this application are Fairview Homes!

We believe that Enfield should retain its Green Belt land, support the views of its community and respect government policy. Any threats by developers should be fought by local people who actually live, work and enjoy this area.

Enfield Road Watch, an action group committee has been formed to oversee things on behalf of residents and the wider community concerned about this proposal, along with the other Societies and Associations mentioned – please check out our website at:

www.enfieldroadwatch.co.uk

Enfield Roadwatch NEED YOUR HELP, are asking residents of Enfield to sign our Change.org petition to protect this green belt land and wildlife at Enfield Road.

www.change.org (then type into the search bar: Protect Enfield)