28/05/2026
Enfield Council has formally withdrawn from the government’s New Town programme, following the election of Cllr Alessandro Georgiou as Leader of the Council.
In a letter to the Minister for Housing and Planning, Matthew Pennycook MP, in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the new Leader confirmed that the Council will no longer support proposals linked to the programme, including development at Crews Hill, Vicarage Farm and across parts of the borough’s Green Belt.
The decision follows May’s local elections, which resulted in a change of administration with 31 Conservative councillors, 27 Labour, and five Green members elected.
The new Conservative leadership campaigned on a clear commitment opposing the New Town proposals.
While withdrawing from the New Town programme, the Council has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the borough’s housing shortage and supporting economic growth.
Cllr Georgiou said in his letter the Council will work with government to deliver new homes and jobs, with a renewed focus on brownfield sites, and town centre regeneration.
Cllr Georgiou added: “We have been elected on a clear mandate to protect Enfield’s Green Belt, and today we are honouring that commitment by formally withdrawing from the New Town process.
“This does not mean stepping back from the challenge of delivering homes and jobs. We are committed to working with government to meet housing need, but in a way that protects our precious green spaces.
“Our focus will be on a brownfield‑first approach. This means unlocking underused land, regenerating our town centres and delivering the high‑quality family homes that local people need.”
