Key Points
- A former Royal British Legion club on Holtwhites Hill, Enfield, could be redeveloped into six new two-storey houses with three bedrooms each.
- Enfield Council is currently considering a planning application submitted by DPA (London) Ltd.
- The development covers approximately 0.26 hectares, with an internal floor space of 582 square metres fully utilised for residential units.
- Construction is expected to start in January 2027 and complete by May 2027.
- Each house will feature electric heating and full-fibre internet connections.
- Plans include provisions for waste and recycling storage, as well as six car parking spaces for residents.
- No existing trees or hedges are present on the site or adjoining land that could affect the development or local environmental character.
- Roof finishes will use slate, with painted timber bargeboards; vehicle access and hard standing will employ hard and soft pavings.
- The proposal falls under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, and the application remains in progress.
Enfield, DPA (North London News) January 26, 2026Â – Plans to transform the rear area of the former Royal British Legion club on Holtwhites Hill into six new homes have been submitted to Enfield Council, sparking interest in local housing developments. The application, lodged by DPA (London) Ltd, proposes two-storey houses each with three bedrooms, aiming to utilise a 0.26-hectare site efficiently. This redevelopment aligns with ongoing efforts to address housing needs in North London while respecting the local environment.
What Is the Proposed Development at the Enfield Site?
The core of the proposal involves demolishing parts of the disused Royal British Legion club to make way for residential units. According to details from the planning portal, the site will accommodate six three-bedroom houses, each designed over two storeys to maximise space on the available land. The total internal floor space is estimated at 582 square metres, ensuring full utilisation for living areas without excess.
Each home will be fitted with modern amenities, including electric heating systems for energy efficiency and full-fibre internet connections to meet contemporary connectivity demands. Waste and recycling storage has been thoughtfully incorporated into the layout, promoting sustainable living practices from the outset.
Furthermore, the plans provide for six dedicated car parking spaces, one per household, to support residents’ needs in this suburban Enfield location. These elements collectively aim to create functional, family-oriented housing.
Who Submitted the Planning Application?
DPA (London) Ltd, the applicant, has put forward this detailed submission under the provisions of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. The firm specialises in such redevelopments, focusing on brownfield sites like this former club to bring underused land back into community service.
Enfield Council, as the decision-making authority, is actively reviewing the application, which remains in progress as of late January 2026. No public consultation outcomes or officer recommendations have been finalised yet, but the portal indicates standard procedural steps are underway.
Local planning officers will assess compliance with national and local policies, including housing targets set by the council’s local plan.
When Will Construction Start and Finish?
Reports from the planning portal specify a tight timeline for the project: construction is slated to commence in January 2027, subject to approval, with completion anticipated by May 2027. This five-month build phase reflects efficient project management, minimising disruption to nearby Holtwhites Hill residents.
The accelerated schedule underscores the applicant’s confidence in the design’s feasibility, with pre-fabricated elements potentially aiding speed. Delays could arise from council conditions or appeals, but the proposal positions itself for swift execution post-approval.
What Features Will the New Homes Include?
Beyond the three-bedroom layout, each house prioritises modern standards. Electric heating ensures low-carbon operation, aligning with Enfield’s green agenda. Full-fibre broadband installation future-proofs the properties for remote work and digital lifestyles.
Waste management is addressed through dedicated storage, likely bins for recyclables and general refuse, integrated into the site layout. Parking spaces will use durable hard and soft pavings, blending functionality with aesthetics.
Roofing will employ slate tiles, a durable and traditional material, complemented by painted timber bargeboards for visual appeal. These choices aim to harmonise with Enfield’s suburban character.
Are There Any Environmental Considerations?
A key aspect of the proposal is the absence of significant natural features on the site. Reports confirm no trees or hedges exist on the development area or adjoining land that could impact the project or form part of the local environmental character. This simplifies approval, avoiding tree preservation orders or ecological surveys.
The design thus focuses on built elements, with materials selected for longevity and minimal maintenance. No biodiversity net gain assessments are highlighted, given the site’s prior use as a club.
How Does This Fit Local Planning Laws?
The application invokes the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, the cornerstone of UK development control. Enfield Council’s process will evaluate it against the National Planning Policy Framework and local policies, particularly those encouraging housing on suitable brownfield sites.
Neighbours and stakeholders can comment via the public portal, ensuring transparency. Approval would add six family homes, contributing to Enfield’s housing supply amid North London’s pressures.
What Is the Site’s Background?
The former Royal British Legion club on Holtwhites Hill served veterans and the community for years before falling into disuse. Its rear area, now targeted for housing, represents a prime opportunity for regeneration in this Enfield ward.
Holtwhites Hill, a residential street, benefits from good transport links to Bush Hill Park station and the A10, making the location attractive for families. The site’s history as a social hub adds sentimental value, but economic viability has shifted towards housing.
Why Is Enfield Council Reviewing This Now?
Enfield faces acute housing shortages, with demand outstripping supply in outer North London. This proposal supports the council’s aim to deliver thousands of new homes by 2035, as outlined in its local plan.
Brownfield redevelopments like this are prioritised to protect green belt land. DPA (London) Ltd’s submission arrives amid similar applications across the borough, reflecting a boom in residential conversions.
Could This Impact Local Traffic or Parking?
With six parking spaces planned, the development anticipates resident needs without straining street parking. Holtwhites Hill’s established infrastructure, including nearby schools and shops, suggests manageable traffic increases.
Vehicle access will use reinforced pavings, ensuring safe entry-exit points. No highways objections are noted yet, but council transport officers will scrutinise this.
What Happens Next in the Planning Process?
The application progresses through validation, consultation, and determination phases. Enfield Council typically decides within 13 weeks, potentially extending if complex.
If approved, conditions may cover construction hours, drainage, and landscaping. Rejection could lead to appeals via the Planning Inspectorate.
How Does This Compare to Other Enfield Projects?
Similar brownfield housing schemes in Enfield, such as former pubs or clubs, have gained traction. This six-home plan is modest, aiding swift consensus compared to larger estates.
It mirrors trends in neighbouring boroughs like Haringey, where disused sites yield family homes efficiently.
Will the Development Preserve Local Character?
Slate roofs and timber details nod to Enfield’s architectural heritage, avoiding stark modern impositions. The two-storey scale matches surrounding semis, ensuring visual cohesion.
Absence of green features simplifies integration, focusing on quality build over landscaping.
Who Can Influence the Outcome?
Residents near Holtwhites Hill can submit views online, influencing councillors. Ward members for Haselbury, the likely parish, may advocate based on constituent feedback.
Enfield Council’s planning committee, if called, provides democratic oversight.
What Are the Broader Housing Implications?
This project exemplifies micro-redevelopments addressing Enfield’s 5,000+ annual housing shortfall. Six homes may seem small, but aggregated efforts build supply incrementally.
It supports national goals under the Levelling Up agenda, revitalising veteran legacy sites for families.
In a borough where average house prices exceed £500,000, these three-bedroom units could offer relative affordability if priced for first-time buyers. DPA (London) Ltd’s focus on practical designs positions them well for market uptake post-2027.
The proposal’s emphasis on sustainability—electric heating, fibre optics—aligns with net-zero timelines. Enfield’s planning portal transparency invites scrutiny, fostering trust.
As North London’s population grows, such initiatives balance development with community needs. Should approval come, Holtwhites Hill residents may welcome new neighbours by spring 2027, marking another chapter for the Royal British Legion site.
Local journalists monitoring Enfield planning note this as routine yet vital, contributing to the borough’s evolution. With no controversies flagged, the path seems clear, pending council sign-off.
