Forum topic: The draft Local Plan and Sainsbury's Winchmore Hill

The local councillors in Winchmore Hill held a Ward Forum to discuss the Enfield Local Plan a few weeks ago despite it being minus four degrees. They still managed to get an attendance of 12 residents and at least they organised something. I have asked them what they think the commitment is elsewhere in the borough towards interacting with the community.

However, these green assets are under threat because of this current Labour administration. The Opposition notes the following:

Woodland surrounding Sainsbury’s, Winchmore Hill

The Woodland surrounding Sainsbury’s in Winchmore Hill is a natural buffer between Green Lanes, the very busy and well utilised Sainsbury’s and a quiet residential area. This woodland is not only used as a pedestrian cut through, but also a walking path which is enjoyed by adults and children alike. This site has been identified in the Enfield Local Plan as a site for development.

Comprehensive mixed-use redevelopment with compatible main town centre, commercial and residential uses. Public realm and environmental improvements, including improved walking and cycling routes. It is anticipated that redevelopment would include re-provision of the supermarket alongside new homes.

Infrastructure requirements

Redevelopment of the site;

I. should contribute towards delivery of streetscape improvements and improved highways in the vicinity to encourage sustainable travel, potentially including but not limited to cycle lane and footpath widening identified in the IDP
II. should contribute towards delivery of towards public realm, new and enhanced public spaces and gateway improvements to key areas within the vicinity as identified in the IDP
III. should contribute towards the extension of Firs Farm flood alleviation scheme
*The Environment Agency has noted that the site is in close proximity to potable groundwater abstractions we would strongly advise that the abstraction licence holder is also consulted with respect to piled foundation proposals.

Design principles

Development on the site:
A. must retain existing open space and existing high value trees.
B. should provide additional tree planting and biodiversity enhancements.
C. should improve east-west pedestrian connections from Halsmere Road to Green Lanes towards the New River Path.
D. must improve north-south permeability within the site through the creation of secondary connections within the development.
E. should improve existing entrances into the retained green space along Halsmere Road.
F. must deliver/contribute towards streetscape improvements along Green Lanes (identified as a Green Link in the Policies Map).
G. should enhance the public realm fronting at the gateways into the site from Green Lanes.
H. must create active frontages along Green Lanes, the green space edge and internal pedestrian and cycle connections.
I. should provide a mix of typologies. Courtyard blocks, perimeter blocks and mansion blocks are considered the most appropriate.
J. must decrease building heights towards the north-east of the site to address the sensitivity of the existing Grade II listed building. Tall buildings are not
considered acceptable on this site.
K. should locate non-residential uses along Green Lanes to create a connection to the existing Local Centre (Winchmore Hill Broadway).
L. should minimise parking to promote active travel. Where required, on-street parking is preferred and should be integrated into the public realm, interspersed with tree planting. Podium parking for non-residential uses must avoid the creation of long stretches of inactive frontage.
M. should locate areas to  enable adequate servicing of residential and non-residential uses within the site boundary, with access for servicing and other larger vehicles from Green Lanes