‘Supporting sustainable development;
preserving our character and natural environment;
strengthening protection of the Green Belt'
We are deeply saddened by John Leatherdale’s passing. John was a highly valued member of our working group, whose impressive local knowledge - both geographical and historical - enabled him to make a particularly significant contribution to the Neighbourhood Plan. Many of the photographs on this website were taken by him, and we are all deeply grateful for his dedication and service to the Hadley Wood community.
Latest news
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The Stage 2 hearings on the Council's draft Local Plan 2019-2041 have now started, and the site in Hadley Wood was discussed on 19th June. We were represented by Rupert Warren KC.
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The hearings continue, to deal with the other proposed development sites and then the new policies. We therefore won't know the outcome until later this year.
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The government wants 1.5 million new homes to be built, and it has weakened the protections for Green Belt land. The Mayor of London's report on which parts of the Green Belt can be built on is expected soon. This should not directly affect the site in Hadley Wood, as it does not meet the criteria for land that is effectively downgraded to 'grey belt'.
Local Plan vs Neighbourhood Plan
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Planning applications are considered against the policies of both the Local Plan and Neighbourhood Plan.
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The Hadley Wood Neighbourhood Plan only applies to our area and was developed, and voted on, by local residents. It reflects the community's view on what development should look like.
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Enfield Council's Local Plan covers the entire borough. It sets a new housing target, and can remove land from the Green Belt for development (or add to it). Councillors, not residents, vote on the Local Plan.
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The NP's policies can differ from the Local Plan policies, but must align with its 'Strategic Policies', such as the target number of new homes.
What's happening?
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Enfield Council has for a few years been developing its new Local Plan for the period to 2041.
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In spite of overwhelming objections in 2021, the Council produced a largely unchanged draft, which was subject to one last public consultation in early 2024.
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In Sep 2024 the Council submitted that draft Plan for independent examination. Comments you sent in during the last consultation were passed on to the Examiner.
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The new homes target has been increased by 33% over the 2021 draft. This is being used to justify the unchanged plans for material releases of Green Belt land for development, including the fields off Crescent West (see images below).
View from Crescent West
The Local Plan mentions 160 new homes, but the number could be much higher (500) based on the building density to be used at Chase Park, and buildings up to 7 storeys tall.