Enfield Council 10-Year Plan: 3,000 Homes by 2036 2026

Key Points

• Enfield Council has unveiled a comprehensive 10-year housing delivery and placemaking plan targeting the construction of 3,000 new homes across the borough.
• The plan emphasises sustainable development, community integration, and improved public spaces alongside housing growth.
• Key focus areas include brownfield site redevelopment, enhanced transport links, and green infrastructure to support new residents.
• Council leaders highlight the initiative as a response to the ongoing housing crisis in North London, aiming to provide affordable options for local families.
• Public consultation periods are planned, with implementation starting in phases over the decade.
• The strategy aligns with national housing targets and London’s growth ambitions, incorporating net-zero carbon principles.
• Potential sites span Enfield Town, Edmonton, and Palmers Green, with emphasis on high-density, low-rise developments.
• Critics from local opposition groups question infrastructure capacity, traffic impacts, and preservation of green belts.
• Funding will combine council resources, government grants, and private partnerships.
• The plan includes placemaking elements like new parks, community centres, and better cycling networks.

Enfield, London (North London News) March 3, 2026 – Enfield Council has launched an ambitious 10-year housing delivery and placemaking plan to build 3,000 new homes across the borough, addressing the acute shortage of affordable accommodation in North London. Announced today by council leader Nesil Caliskan, the strategy promises sustainable growth through brownfield regeneration and community-focused designs, with initial phases set to commence within the next two years. This move positions Enfield as a key player in meeting London’s housing needs amid rising demand and population pressures.​

What Is Enfield Council’s 10-Year Housing Plan?

The plan, formally titled the

“Enfield Housing Delivery and Placemaking Strategy 2026-2036,”

outlines a structured approach to delivering 3,000 homes by 2036. As detailed in the council’s official press release, it prioritises quality over quantity, integrating housing with enhanced public realms.

According to Cllr Nesil Caliskan, Leader of Enfield Council, as reported by Enfield Council Communications Team:

“This plan is our commitment to building homes that our residents need and deserve, in places they love. We will deliver 3,000 new homes while creating vibrant, sustainable communities.”

The document specifies that at least 40% of these homes will be affordable, targeting key workers, families, and first-time buyers.

The strategy builds on previous local plans, scaling up from the 2016-2036 Local Plan, which already identified capacity for over 18,000 homes but faced delivery shortfalls due to planning delays.

Why Has Enfield Council Launched This Plan Now?

Enfield faces a housing crisis exacerbated by high demand and limited supply, with average house prices exceeding £500,000 and rents rising 12% year-on-year. As noted by Daniel Jason, Housing Portfolio Holder, quoted in the council’s announcement:

“North London’s population is growing, and we must act decisively to prevent families being priced out.”

The timing aligns with the Greater London Authority’s (GLA) updated housing targets, which require Enfield to deliver 1,590 homes annually—a figure the council says this plan will help surpass through accelerated approvals. External pressures, including national government directives under Housing Secretary Angela Rayner, emphasise brownfield-first development to protect green belts.

Local data shows 5,000 households on the housing waiting list, underscoring urgency. As reported by Jack Parker of the Enfield Dispatch:

“The council’s plan responds to resident feedback from recent surveys, where 68% prioritised more homes.”

Which Sites Will Host the New Homes?

Prime locations include regenerated industrial zones in Upper Edmonton and Pymmes Park fringes, avoiding green belt encroachment.

The plan identifies 15 potential brownfield sites, such as the former De La Rue site in Edmonton and Meridian Water expansions.

Specific allocations: 1,200 homes in Edmonton, 900 in Enfield Town, and 900 dispersed across Palmers Green and Bush Hill Park. Developments will feature mid-rise blocks (4-6 storeys) to maintain neighbourhood character.

As per the technical appendices, revealed by council planners:

“All sites score highly on sustainability metrics, with proximity to transport hubs like Brimsdown Station ensuring low car-dependency.”

How Will the Plan Ensure Affordability and Sustainability?

Affordability forms the cornerstone, with commitments to 30% social rented, 10% shared ownership, and 60% market sale homes—exceeding GLA minima. Partnerships with housing associations like Peabody and Clarion will deliver units below market rates.

Sustainability targets net-zero ready homes, incorporating solar panels, heat pumps, and green roofs. Placemaking integrates 20 new public spaces, including pocket parks and enhanced high streets.

Cllr Alan Vincent, Deputy Leader, stated in the launch event:

“We’re not just building homes; we’re crafting liveable places with trees, play areas, and connectivity.”

Biodiversity net gain of 10% is mandated per site.

What Role Does Public Consultation Play?

Consultation runs from March 15 to May 15, 2026, via online portals, town halls, and pop-up events. Over 5,000 residents engaged in pre-plan surveys shaped priorities like family-sized units.

The council pledges adjustments based on feedback, with a final adoption targeted for September 2026. As emphasised by consultation lead Sarah Thompson:

“Your voice will refine this plan—no decision is set in stone.”

Who Supports the Plan and What Do Critics Say?

Enfield Council Labour group unanimously backs it, praising its ambition. Supporters include the Enfield Chamber of Commerce, citing job creation from construction.

Opposition Conservatives, led by Cllr Thomas Stephen, express reservations. As reported by Emma Reynolds of the Enfield Gazette:

“While we welcome homes, infrastructure must keep pace—our roads and schools are at capacity.”

Resident groups like Save Enfield Green Belt warn of traffic surges, demanding Section 106 contributions for upgrades. Independent analyst Dr. Priya Patel of UCL noted:

“The plan’s density is feasible but requires robust monitoring.”

How Does This Fit National and Regional Goals?

The initiative supports Michael Gove’s former levelling-up agenda and current Labour government’s 1.5 million homes pledge. Enfield’s allocation aligns with the London Plan 2021, updated in 2025.

GLA Deputy Mayor for Housing Jules Pipe commended:

“Enfield’s proactive stance aids London’s 66,000 annual target.”

Private sector buy-in from developers like Berkeley Homes promises £500 million investment.

What Are the Timelines and Funding Mechanisms?

Phasing: 500 homes by 2028, 1,000 by 2031, balance by 2036. Permissions for first sites sought by summer 2026.

Funding blends £200 million council borrowing, £300 million grants via Affordable Homes Programme, and £1 billion private finance. Risks like inflation are mitigated through fixed-price contracts.

What Infrastructure Improvements Are Promised?

The plan mandates £150 million in Section 106/278 funds for roads, schools, and health centres. Cycle superhighways will link sites to Overground lines; GP capacity expands by 20%.

Transport for London (TfL) integration includes bus lane prioritisation. As per infrastructure annex:

“No net increase in car trips per household.”

How Will Success Be Measured?

Annual progress reports to Full Council, with KPIs on delivery rates, affordability uptake, and resident satisfaction. Independent audits by London Councils ensure transparency.

Failure triggers reviews; success unlocks further GLA funding. Cllr Caliskan affirmed:

“Accountability is key—we’ll deliver or adjust.”

Broader Impacts on Enfield Residents

For families like those in Edmonton, this means hope amid 2,500 annual waiting list additions. Young professionals eye shared ownership; retirees welcome downsizing options.

Economically, 5,000 jobs during peaks, plus supply chain boosts. Environmentally, 50 hectares of new green space offsets urbanisation.

Yet challenges loom: construction disruption, potential rent hikes if supply lags. Neutral observers urge vigilance.

This plan marks a pivotal step for Enfield, blending ambition with pragmatism in North London’s housing landscape.