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Enfield Council withdraws support for 21,000-home proposal as debate intensifies over the future of Enfield’s Green Belt
The future of Chase Park and Crews Hill has moved firmly back into the spotlight following Enfield Council’s decision to formally withdraw support for proposals that could see up to 21,000 homes built on Green Belt land in the borough. The move has reignited debate across Enfield, with residents, campaign groups, environmental organisations and politicians all weighing in on what could become one of the most significant planning decisions in the borough’s history. Supporters of the development argue that London faces an urgent housing crisis and that new homes are desperately needed. Opponents, however, believe the proposals would result in the loss of valuable Green Belt land, place additional pressure on local infrastructure and fundamentally alter the character of Chase Park, Crews Hill and the surrounding countryside. Adding further uncertainty, recent national media reports have suggested that discussions may be taking place between the Government and the Mayor of London regarding whether elements of the scheme could still progress despite the council’s change in position. With strong views on all sides and the potential to shape Enfield for generations to come, the Chase Park and Crews Hill proposals continue to be one of the borough’s most closely watched and passionately debated issues.
The future of Chase Park and Crews Hill has become one of the most talked-about issues in Enfield, following growing debate around proposals that could see up to 21,000 homes built on parts of Green Belt land within the borough.
The issue has generated strong views from residents, campaign groups, environmental organisations, local politicians and planning experts, with many questioning the potential impact on open space, wildlife, infrastructure and the character of the area.
Why Is This Back In The Spotlight?
The discussion intensified following Enfield Council’s recent decision to formally withdraw support for the proposed development, a move backed by the borough’s new administration.
The proposal forms part of wider discussions around housing delivery in London and the Government’s ambition to build new homes to address the ongoing housing shortage.
However, many residents have expressed concerns that the scale of development being proposed could fundamentally change large areas of countryside in and around Chase Park and Crews Hill.
Government Could Still Push Plans Forward
Despite the council’s change in position, questions remain over whether the Government could still seek to progress development plans.
Recent reporting by the London Standard suggested that discussions may be taking place between the Mayor of London and the Prime Minister regarding the future of the proposals and how housing targets could be delivered.
Read the London Standard article:
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/sadiq-khan-keir-starmer-enfield-new-town-green-belt-crews-hill-chase-park-b1241303.html
ITV News has also explored whether the Government could proceed with plans despite losing local council support:
Environmental Concerns Raised
Alongside concerns about the loss of Green Belt land, environmental organisations have highlighted wider risks associated with large-scale development.
Recent research reported by the BBC examined concerns around building on Green Belt land and the potential impact of climate change, including increased heatwaves and wildfire risks.
Read the BBC article:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c232dmkjxrmo
Further reporting on climate and environmental concerns can be found here:
What Are Local Campaign Groups Saying?
Several local campaign groups continue to campaign against the proposals and have published detailed information outlining their concerns.
Enfield RoadWatch
Enfield RoadWatch argues that the proposed development would have significant consequences beyond the loss of Green Belt land, including impacts on infrastructure, transport and local services.
Read more:
https://enfieldroadwatch.co.uk/the-new-town-will-destroy-much-more-than-the-green-belt/
Action For Enfield’s Future
Action For Enfield’s Future has also raised concerns regarding the long-term implications of development on Green Belt land and the future character of the borough.
Read more:
https://actionforenfieldsfuture.org.uk/going-going-gone-with-the-green-belt/
Questions Around Democratic Mandate
The debate has also sparked discussion around democratic mandate.
Some residents have pointed to the results of the recent local elections, where parties opposing the New Town proposals collectively received a significant share of the vote. Others argue that national housing policy and London’s housing needs must also be considered.
As with many planning issues, opinions remain divided and strongly held on all sides.
Historical Context
Interesting historical information has also emerged during recent discussions. Historical records relating to the creation of London’s Green Belt indicate that large areas of Enfield Chase were acquired during the 1930s with the intention of protecting them from future development and preserving open countryside for future generations.
While this historical context is important, planning decisions today are governed by modern planning legislation and policy frameworks.
Further updates:
11th June 2026: 12:30pm, Enfield Roadwatch delivered 4,000 local residents letters to the Prime Minister, Kier Starmer that opposed Crews Hill and Chase Parks new town.
77% of Enfield voters in the recent local election cast ballots against the new town in Enfield, which outsed the Labour party.
15th June 2026: 7.43pm The Enfield Dispatch - James Cracknell has report
Inspector tells Enfield Council to cancel plans for building homes on Green Belt at Hadley Wood
Read More in the Enfield Dispatch here
Join The Discussion
This remains a fast-moving story and one that will shape the future of Enfield for generations to come.
Love Your Doorstep will continue to share updates, official announcements and community perspectives as developments unfold.
We welcome respectful discussion and encourage residents to share verified information, official documents and constructive views as the conversation continues. You can join the conversation on our community forum here.
