A plan has been drawn up to protect the rich heritage of all of Enfield’s cultures during a time of “unprecedented growth”.

Making Enfield, the council’s new heritage strategy, sets out how the council will preserve the historic buildings, parks and other assets in the borough as pressure for new developments continues to grow.

The strategy will link to Enfield’s local plan, which sets out a framework for development, and it will be key to attracting funding aimed at preserving the borough’s heritage.

Enfield’s rich history has produced a range of famous landmarks, including Capel House, Forty Hall and Broomfield House.

But the borough faces mounting pressure to build new homes and commercial spaces as its population expands rapidly.

The heritage strategy will help to ensure new developments are in keeping with the character of their surroundings.

Councillors discussed the strategy at a local plan cabinet sub-committee on Thursday (June 27).

Cabinet member for finance Cllr Mary Maguire said: “It is not just about older buildings; it is about other types of heritage – the industrial heritage we have, and all the peoples who have come to the borough to make their home here.

“I think this document will allow us to look at all the different cultures and heritage we have in Enfield.”

Cllr George Savva, cabinet member for licensing and regulatory services, said the council should consider building on the green belt.

He said: “We are a growing borough, where the population is rising all the time. We should consider things that a few years ago we thought impossible.”

There will also be a focus on protecting heritage assets against environmental crime.

Heritage officer Harriet Bell said: “We had concerns expressed through the consultation process about work being done without consent, and the effect that has on the environment.

“Enviro-crime was something we had not focused on, and it was suggested we should. That has been added in as an objective.”

Council leader Cllr Nesil Caliskan said: “We are very lucky, both in terms of the assets we have as a borough, but also in terms of open spaces, for example.

“Given we are about to embark on a period of growth, it is really important that we have got growth for the borough that is controlled and shaped for the benefit of local people.

“Protecting heritage and shaping the borough accordingly will be really important.”

The sub-committee agreed to adopt the new heritage strategy, which runs up to 2024.

The strategy will need to be updated and referred back to the local plan cabinet sub-committee for approval to coincide with adoption of the new local plan.