Policy information sourced from Enfield Core Strategy 2010-2025

4 HOUSING QUALITY

New housing

High quality design and sustainability will be required for all new homes. New housing developments should take account of the design and construction policies and sustainable design and construction guidance set out in the London Plan and should seek to exceed the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3.

All new homes should be built to Lifetime Homes standards. The Council will seek to achieve a borough-wide target of 10% of all new homes to be suitable or easily adaptable for wheelchair users. Units should range in size to allow families to stay together, and to accommodate live-in carers.

Guidance and standards relating to the design, quality, safety, internal and amenity space for new developments will be set out in the Enfield Design Guide and Development Management Document and will be revised to take into account new standards including the Mayor’s draft Housing Design Guide. Area specific design guidance, including design codes and opportunities for exemplar projects and design competitions, will be included in area action plans and related masterplans where appropriate.

Housing renewal

The Council will use its development management powers to prevent the loss of all homes, including affordable homes and will work with partners to seek to reduce the level of vacant homes, and improve the physical condition and energy efficiency of the existing housing stock. It will work with partners to encourage longer term occupancy of the housing stock in neighbourhoods where population turnover is high.

An Estates Investment Management Strategy will be undertaken to inform the future management and priorities for investment across the Council’s own housing stock. The Council will facilitate the renewal of the Ladderswood Way and Highmead estates as early phases of this programme, undertaking feasibility studies and working with local residents to identify the most appropriate solution for renewal, taking into account potential for refurbishment and comprehensive redevelopment.

For more information please see the Core Strategy 2010-2025