Four new conservation areas ‘to halt changes’ (From Enfield Independent)

Four new conservation areas ‘to halt changes’

11:02am Friday 21st November 2008

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RESIDENTS who live in four new protected areas have a new raft of planning rules to think about.

Enfield Council has slapped conservation orders on The Chine in Grange Park, The Crescent in Edmonton, Southgate Circus, and Bourne Avenue in Meadway.

The orders are designed to protect areas of outstanding beauty and heritage which are at risk of tasteless redevelopment.

It means homeowners in these areas now need express consent from the council to turn front gardens into drives and are banned from replacing period windows with double-glazed modern ones.

The orders are not a blanket ban on alterations but failure to tell the council about changes could mean a fine of thousands of pounds plus the cost of restoring the property to its former state.

Councillor Terry Neville, cabinet member for environment and street scene, said: “It’s important to take action to prevent ill-conceived works being carried out to properties in the areas, which would cause detriment to the look of a locality.”

The council’s ruling Tories have been accused by opponents of favouring some places over other ones.

Leader of the Labour group, Councillor Jeff Rodin, said: “We have to look at what is not being done as well as what is being done.

“The Tories create most of these conservation orders in parts of the borough they represent. There are area action plans for Ponders End and the A406 area too yet a massive waste plant may be built there.

“The orders will preserve some nice areas but what about putting effort into ensuring that other parts of Enfield are conserved?”

The four areas were chosen after public consultation.

Community groups like The Enfield Society (TES) suggested 24 sites for inclusion in a report, which was given to the council’s place shaping panel.

It picked the four areas it saw as in greatest need.

TES president Chris Jephcott said: “It is good news for the people of Enfield because it means their heritage will be carried through into the future.”

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