On December 5, the Enfield Independent reported that the Mayor of London is not happy about the Council’s proposed release of Green Belt.
https://www.enfieldindependent.co.uk/news/17275264.enfield-could-clash-with-mayor-over-green-belt/
Proposals put forward by Enfield Council to build on Green Belt land could be torpedoed by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan.
Speaking at mayor’s question time, the mayor signalled he could oppose the council’s new local plan if it contravenes London-wide planning policy.
Enfield Council mooted plans for ‘managed development on a small segment of the Green Belt’ in October in a bid to meet ambitious new housebuilding targets. Land near Crews Hill railway station was one potential site earmarked for development in the authority’s local plan, which will go out to consultation this month.
But under questioning from Conservative London Assembly Member Andrew Boff on November 22, Mr Khan hinted he might object to the plans. The mayor outlined the key environmental and public health benefits of the Green Belt, adding that it “will be given the strongest possible protection from inappropriate development” as set out in the new draft London Plan.
Mr Boff said: “Will you formally object, therefore, to Enfield Council’s local plan consultation, which includes the aim of releasing Green Belt for development?”
Mr Khan responded: “If it is the case that their local plan is in breach of our policies, then I will do what I normally do, which is to object to it.”
Enfield RoadWatch is concerned. If this scenario is a strong possibility, why is the Council pursuing Green Belt release and proposing to spend our money on another Green Belt Boundary Review when the 2013 version is still valid?