Enfield Planning Applications and Architectural Services

Architectural Services Enfield

Enfield– historic roots for a modern London Borough

Featuring in the Doomsday Book but also boasting the site on an iron age hill fort, Enfield has a rich history and plenty to appeal to residents of the 21st century.

450+

PROJECTS DONE

£15m+

CONSTRUCTION

98%

PLANNING APPROVAL

30+

BOROUGHS

Forward looking and receptive to new ideas

Set along the western slopes of the Lee Valley, the borough of Enfield encompasses Enfield, Southgate and Edmonton, with good communications into central London and easy access to Epping Forest and the M25.

Changing with the times

The area has always been forward looking. From the Enfield market charter in 1303 to the world’s first cash machine in 1967, there is a subtle mix of old and new.

In recent years the town centre has adapted well to economic change, including with new dining and evening economy venues.

Conservation mixes with a practical approach to urban and suburban life.

Economic growth has followed the development of London. The area saw considerable prosperity and expansion in the 19th century, when the thriving market town became an important district within Greater London.

Architectural design work within Enfield

Much of the housing stock reflects this and there is a large number of listed buildings. Much of Enfield Town is in a conservation area. Plenty of open spaces complement a mature built environment.

For architectural designers in Enfield this makes our work especially interesting, and we have a good record for balancing client needs with local priorities.

selected case studies

Our Latest Projects.

For the past decade or so it has often been said that it is becoming harder to move home: housing remains expensive and continue getting more costly in popular areas.

The process of moving is expensive too, and often stressful. We, on the other hand, have a solution and go by the phrase of, “Don’t move, improve!”.

Planning is fully integrated into local authority policies

With many calls on space and resources, the London Borough of Enfield balances a flexible approach to individual developments with a broad policy of protecting housing for the benefit of families and the quality of urban life.

Transparency on the part of a planning authority is always important and Enfield scores well on this account – it is one of the few London Boroughs that has a good interactive map, which shows potential restrictions and qualifications on development.

A thoughtful approach towards residential development.

Current planning policy is now very cautious towards Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs) which have proliferated in recent years.

A strong clear policy in favour of family dwellings means that there are restrictions limiting the conversion of houses to HMOs – but such development is still feasible providing applications are made with care, attention to detail and a clear argument as to the wider benefits of the changes that will follow.

Working with Enfield Council

Enfield Council are supportive of all developments which will improve the borough or a particular neighbourhood. They are also active in promoting the efficient use of the planning process.

Thus they have a comprehensive pre-application advice service which serves to guide those considering making a Planning application and this is very helpful for architectural designers in Enfield. This is especially useful if a particular development does not appear to have a local precedent.

Extensions and loft conversions in Enfield

The Planning authority is reasonably open minded when it comes to house extensions and loft conversions in individual residences.

What limits are set by the Planning authority?

With Enfield’s emphasis on improving the quality of housing, we have found that first floor side extensions are often accepted (this is not the case in all London boroughs), although generally a set-back is required in order to avoid a “terracing” effect.

Likewise, it can be that side extensions do not automatically require an offset from the boundary, so the whole width of a plot can be used – provided the overall nature of the extension is acceptable. Guidance on loft conversions is similar to other London boroughs, so a lot may depend on local precedent.

Liaising with the Planning Authority

Enfield are keen to maintain consistent policy delivery. This extends to keeping applicants at arm’s length once an application has been made. Once paperwork is submitted the applicant does not have direct access to an identified Planning officer. Instead, contact details are for the entire Planning department.

Why use Divi Design for you architectural design needs in Enfield

Our long experience of working in the borough means we are able to reach out professionally to planning officers for feedback and guidance – which we can then use to help shape planning applications and keep up to date with progress in individual cases.

Enfield local Planning policies were last updated in 2014. Revised policies are expected in the near future.

Get in Touch

We are proud of our track record in Enfield and nearby, and we’d be delighted to talk with you about what you have in mind.

Get a Quote or tell us about your project. We’ll explain how we can help – call 0203 488 2828

Enfield Council Contact Details

Enfield Council address Civic Centre Silver Street, London EN1 3XA
Enfield Council tel 020 8379 1000
Enfield Council website new.enfield.gov.uk
Enfield Council planning email
Enfield Council planning tel 0208 379 4065

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