Local authority cutbacks across North London and Hertfordshire are reinforcing the need for strong and effective civic organisations -- and have provided the impetus for a close working relationship between the Barnet Society and the Enfield Society.
A joint approach to counter threats to the Green Belt was one of the measures agreed when a delegation from Barnet met leading members of their sister society in Enfield to discuss issues on which they could co-operate in the future.
One planning proposal which the two societies are contesting is the proposed designation under Enfield’s draft local plan of Green Belt land to the west of Hadley Wood Station for the construction of 160 homes (see above).
Both societies are concerned by reductions in the previous level of support – provided by Barnet Council and Enfield Council – for the work of local advisory groups which monitor planning applications within conservation areas and places of historic or architectural interest.
With increasing pressure from property developers to build high-rise flats in the two town centres, the task of these volunteers has become all the more demanding if they are to succeed in preventing unsightly new buildings which might have a damaging impact on the appearance or character of an area.
Both societies were able to report on their success in managing to identify buildings of architectural or historic interest and then ensuring that they are included in council lists in the hope gaining added protection.
Uppermost in the minds of both societies is the never-ending task of seeking to protect Green Belt land around both Barnet and Enfield.
The two delegations identified and discussed examples of intrusive development where there had been a lack of enforcement and they were anxious to work together when new threats emerge, especially on the borders between Barnet and Enfield.
One immediate example of co-operation between the two societies is their joint interest in supporting moves to register footpaths across the Sewit’s Hill nature reserve on the Enfield boundary between Hadley Wood and Hadley Wood Golf Club.
Dave Cockle, chair of the Enfield Society, welcomed representatives from the Barnet Society for an informal discussion at the society’s headquarters at Jubilee Hall, Parsonage Lane, Enfield.
From left to right above, Robin Bishop, who leads for the Barnet Society on planning and the environment; Dave Cockle, chair of the Enfield Society; Frances Wilson, chair of the Barnet Society; and Richard Stones, secretary of the Enfield Society.
