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11 Green Belt

11.1 Protecting the Green Belt

DMD 82

Protecting the Green Belt

Inappropriate development within the Green Belt will not be permitted. Development that is not inappropriate will only be permitted if all of the following criteria are met:

  1. The siting, scale, height and bulk of the proposed development is sympathetic to and compatible with the prime aim of preserving the openness of the Green Belt;
  2. The development has regard to site contours, displays a high standard of design and landscaping to complement and improve its setting, and takes all measures to ensure that the visual impact on the Green Belt is minimised;
  3. The nature, quality, finish and colour of materials blend with the local landscape to harmonise with surrounding natural features;
  4. Where possible, existing trees, hedges, bushes and other natural features are retained and integrated with the scheme to ensure adequate screening. Where this is not possible, planning permission will only be granted if adequate mitigation measures are secured; and
  5. Appropriate parking provision, safe access, egress and landscaping is provided to ensure vehicles are parked safely and that the development does not prejudice the openness of the Green Belt.

This policy should be read in conjunction with Core Strategy Policy 33.

Justification and guidance on implementation

11.1.1 Appropriate development in the Green Belt is defined in the NPPF. This includes some forms of development on previously developed sites. Policies are provided in DMD 89 'Previously Developed Sites in the Green Belt' (limited infilling, the partial or complete redevelopment of previously developed sites) and Section 11.6 'Crews Hill Defined Area'.

11.1.2 To assess proposals under DMD 82 'Protecting the Green Belt' applicants should demonstrate the following through design and access statements:

  • How the development has been designed to reduce the visual impact on the Green Belt;
  • How the proposal improves the attractiveness and quality of the landscape through soft landscaping;
  • That where the opportunity allows, options for incorporating hedgerows and tree planting of native species are incorporated into the scheme.

11.1.3 There are some situations that may allow certain developments to take place in the Green Belt that under any other circumstances would not be allowed. These are known as ‘very special circumstances’ and if proven, are treated as a departure from the Local Plan. When attempting to prove very special circumstances the onus is on the applicant to prove that the exceptional nature of the proposal outweighs the harm that it would cause to the Green Belt.

11.2 Development Adjacent to the Green Belt

DMD 83

Development Adjacent to the Green Belt

Proposed development located next to, or within close proximity to, the Green Belt will only be permitted if all of the following criteria are met:

  1. There is no increase in the visual dominance and intrusiveness of the built form by way of height, scale and massing on the Green Belt;
  2. There is a clear distinction between the Green Belt and urban area;
  3. Views and vistas from the Green Belt into urban areas and vice versa, especially at important access points, are maintained.

Proposals should maximise opportunities to incorporate measures to improve the character of land adjacent to the Green Belt through environmental improvements such as planting and earth moulding, and the removal or replacement of visually intrusive elements such as buildings, structures, hard standings, walls, fences or advertisements.

Development must not restrict future public access/ rights of way from being provided. Where possible proposed development should increase opportunities for public access.

This policy should be read in conjunction with Core Strategy policies 31 and 33.

Justification and guidance on implementation

11.2.1 The Enfield Characterisation Study (2011) provides evidence to protect the character of land adjacent to the Green Belt. It notes that the presence of such attractive landscapes close to the urban edge is a valuable asset for the borough, but recognises that the quality of the “urban fringe” or interface between the rural character of the Green Belt and the urban area varies significantly. This policy will ensure that a clear distinction between the character of the Green Belt and the urban area is maintained and where possible strengthened.

11.3 Areas of Special Character

DMD 84

Areas of Special Character

New development within the Areas of Special Character will only be permitted if features or characteristics which are key to maintaining the quality of the area are preserved and enhanced.

This policy should be read in conjunction with Core Strategy policies 30, 31 and 33.

Justification and guidance on implementation

11.3.1 Enfield has a rich and diverse range of landscape types. The borough's unique character is strongly influenced by its topography. Parts of the borough which are important for their historic landscape character and rural character have been designated as Areas of Special Character. These are:

  • Salmons Brook Valley
  • Turkey Brook Valley
  • Merryhills Brook Valley
  • Theobalds Estate South
  • Clay Hill
  • Hornbeam Hills South
  • Enfield Chase and Trent Park
  • Whitewebbs Park and Forty Hall
  • Lee Valley Reservoirs.

11.3.2 Information of the characteristic traits for each of Enfield's Areas of Special Character can be found in the Enfield Characterisation Study (2011).

11.4 Agriculture

DMD 85

Land for Food and Other Agricultural Uses

The use of land for growing food, including commercial and community food growing, will be supported throughout the borough.

Development on agricultural land will be permitted if the all of the following criteria are met:

  1. The proposal delivers diverse and sustainable farming enterprises without harming the quality or character of the countryside;
  2. The proposal, when implemented, ensures good environmental practice, including long term biodiversity benefits;
  3. The proposal safeguards high quality agricultural land from irreversible development;
  4. Proposals in relation to renewable energy sources do not over-farm the land to the detriment of the local character and ecology; and
  5. The type and volume of traffic generated would not result in danger or inconvenience on the public highway or harm the rural character of local roads.

This policy should be read in conjunction with Core Strategy Policy 33.

Justification and guidance on implementation

11.4.1 There is a long history of agriculture and horticulture in the Enfield, which has played an important role in the development of the borough. The food sector continues to be an important contributor to Enfield’s economy, with a range of small-scale producers, wholesalers and large companies generating significant income and providing many jobs. There is potential for better communication and future growth across the supply chain. This policy will help to implement the Enfield and the Mayor's Food Strategies which seek to develop and maintain a thriving local food economy and promote food production in appropriate areas.

DMD 86

Agricultural Workers' Dwellings

New dwellings for agricultural and horticultural workers will only be permitted if all of the following criteria are met:

  1. The Council is satisfied that the associated agricultural unit is economically viable and has sound long-term prospects;
  2. It can be demonstrated that the dwelling is essential to sustain the viability of the farming enterprise;
  3. There is no suitable alternative accommodation in the locality; and
  4. No existing dwelling serving the holding has been sold, leased or disposed of in any other way.

If the above criteria are met, planning permission will be issued for a temporary building for a period of no more than 3 years. Within this 3-year period an application for a permanent building can be submitted and a further assessment will be carried out against the criteria. Proposals will be subject to an agricultural worker occupancy condition.

This policy should be read in conjunction with Core Strategy Policy 33.

Justification and guidance on implementation

11.4.2 It will often be as convenient and more sustainable for such agricultural workers to live in nearby urban areas, or suitable existing dwellings, so avoiding new and potentially intrusive development in the Green Belt. However, there will be some cases where the nature and demands of agricultural work make it essential for one or more people engaged in the enterprise to live at, or very close to, the site of their work. Whether this is essential in any particular case will depend on the needs of the enterprise concerned and not on the personal preferences or circumstances of any of the individuals involved. It is essential that all applications for planning permission for new occupational dwellings are scrutinised thoroughly with the aim of detecting attempts to abuse (e.g. through speculative proposals) the concession that the planning system makes for such dwellings. In particular, it will be important to establish whether the stated intentions to engage in farming are genuine, reasonably likely to materialise, and are capable of being sustained for a reasonable period of time. It will also be important to establish that the needs of the intended enterprise require one or more of the people engaged in it to live nearby.

11.4.3 If permission for temporary accommodation is granted, a permanent dwelling should not subsequently be given permission unless clear evidence is provided that the proposed enterprise is planned on a sound financial basis. Upon expiry of the 3-year time limit, the temporary building must be removed and the land reverted back to a landscape of rural character.

DMD 87

Equine-related development

Proposals for equine related development in the Green Belt, will only be permitted if all of the following criteria are met:

  1. There is no adverse effect on landscape or nature conservation quality;
  2. The agricultural land quality is maintained;
  3. Adequate arrangements are made for the management of grazing areas;
  4. The size and scale of stables and other development associated with the use do not harm the openness of the Green Belt; and
  5. Hard-surfaced areas are kept to a minimum.

This policy should be read in conjunction with Core Strategy Policy 33.

Justification and guidance on implementation

11.4.4 Horse riding is a popular recreational activity and a number of sites in the borough are used for horsekeeping. The paraphernalia associated with horsekeeping such as stables and urbanised manege can be inappropriate if they detract from the openness of the Green Belt. Proposed horse-keeping and associated uses must avoid unnecessary buildings that would be detrimental to the Green Belt setting.

DMD 88

Farm Diversification

Proposals involving a change of use from agriculture to other business uses which contribute to sustainable development and help to sustain the agricultural industry will be supported.

Applications involving change of use from agriculture will only be permitted if all of the following criteria are met:

  1. Agriculture remains the dominant use within the holding;
  2. Building requirements are met through the re-use or replacement of existing building(s);
  3. The proposed use improves the open land character by way of scale, location and design and would respect and preserve the openness and character of the Green Belt;
  4. The proposed use does not generate excessive traffic or a significant number of additional trips;
  5. The proposed use does not prejudice future opportunities for the land to revert back to agriculture use;
  6. The proposed use does not unacceptably impact upon the amenities of residents or cause an unacceptable level of noise, light, air or water pollution;
  7. The proposed use provides adequate landscaping and screening to minimise its visual impact;
  8. There is no detrimental impact on nature conservation, wildlife habitats and historic features.

Proposals that support tourism or increase opportunities for outdoor sport and recreation will be looked at favourably.

This policy should be read in conjunction with Core Strategy policies 12 and 33.

Justification and guidance on implementation

11.4.5 The Council recognises that diversification to non-agricultural uses is vital to the continuing viability of many farm enterprises. The Council will support well-conceived farm diversification schemes for business purposes that contribute to sustainable development objectives and help to sustain the agricultural enterprise. Proposals for diversification where the development preserves the openness of the Green Belt and does not conflict with the purposes of including land within it will be acceptable.

11.5 Developed Sites in the Green Belt

DMD 89

Previously Developed Sites in the Green Belt

1. Complete or partial redevelopment of sites on Major Developed Sites (Trent Park University Campus and Picketts Lock) will only be permitted where the proposal improves the character and appearance of the site and appearance from the surrounding Green Belt. New development must not have a greater impact on the openness of the Green Belt than the existing development.

2. Limited infilling or the partial or complete redevelopment of previously developed sites elsewhere in the Green Belt will only be permitted if all of the following criteria are met:

  1. New development does not have a greater impact on the openness of the Green Belt;
  2. The proposal does not lead to an increase in the developed proportion of the site;
  3. The proposal does not lead to any significant increase in motorised traffic generation, as evidenced through a suitable traffic modelling tool; and
  4. The proposal contributes towards the aims of sustainable development.

This policy should be read in conjunction with Core Strategy Policy 33.

Justification and guidance on implementation

11.5.1 The policy sets out a two tier approach to protecting the Green Belt and delivering sustainable development. Limited infilling or the partial or complete redevelopment of previously developed sites will be appropriate subject to the criteria set out in the policy. Complete or partial redevelopment of sites may be appropriate on the Major Developed Sites identified as Trent Park University Campus and Picketts Lock, as identified on the Policies Map and subject to Core Policy 33 which identifies the Council’s commitment to work with partners to prepare planning briefs or masterplans in order to guide appropriate future development that preserves and enhances the character of the green belt.

11.6 Crews Hill Defined Area

11.6.1 Enfield has a strong horticultural tradition with a distinctive area of nurseries and garden centres centred around the Crews Hill area. Crews Hill traders sell both wholesale and retail horticultural goods.

11.6.2 The following policies should be applied alongside other Green Belt policies to development within the Crews Hill Defined Area.

DMD 90

Appropriate uses in the Crews Hill Defined Area

1. Within the Defined Area, proposals for new garden centres on sites which have become redundant or are no longer required for horticultural uses will only be permitted if all of the following criteria are met:

  1. In the case of a replacement building the new building must not be materially larger than the one it replaces and must be built to reflect an open form of development;
  2. There is no external display or sale of goods other than trees, shrubs or other plants or horticultural products;
  3. External display of goods and gardening products related directly to gardening, such as greenhouses, garden sheds, paving or rockery stones or related to leisure in the garden, must not be sited on a main road or any other position that would be visually intrusive or compromise traffic safety;
  4. Advertisement displays on the site should be appropriate to, and in scale with, the road frontage of the premises and should complement the area;
  5. Not less than 90% of the sales floorspace should be used for the sale of plants, bulbs, seeds and plant materials (whether for indoor or outdoor use), equipment, structures and products required for the purposes of gardening or the laying out of a garden; and
  6. Sale of other goods should relate to the enjoyment of the gardens.

2. Proposals for intensive livestock units in the Defined Area will be only be permitted on existing glasshouse sites which are not directly adjacent to the Crews Hill residential estate.

3. Proposals for residential development within the Defined Area, including the change of use of existing buildings, will be refused.

This policy should be read in conjunction with Core Strategy Policy 33.

Justification and guidance on implementation

11.6.3 Proposals for residential development within the Crews Hill Defined Area will be resisted. Residential development in the area would adversely affect the future horticultural operation and viability of the garden centre uses to the detriment of the local economy.

11.6.4 Horticultural uses do not normally require planning permission within the Green Belt. However, when businesses buy-in and sell goods other than the produce grown on site, it is classified as development requiring planning permission. The Council will be supportive of well-conceived proposals for use of buildings for garden centres in the defined area.

11.6.5 The impact of Garden Centres in the Green Belt needs to be carefully managed. The Council will encourage open forms of garden centre development that allow considerable scope for landscaping where the container beds, growing area and planting provide an overall effect of greenery and openness.

DMD 91

Improving the General Appearance of the Crews Hill Defined Area

New development within the Crews Hill Defined Area should preserve the openness of the Green Belt. Development proposals must meet all of the following criteria:

  1. Roadside and field boundary hedges, particularly along Theobalds Park Road or Cattlegate Road, should be retained or reinstated wherever possible. Existing features should be augmented by appropriate additional landscaping to reinforce boundaries, and screen and integrate adjacent sites;
  2. Landscaping, means of enclosure and architectural detailing should be used to create a pleasant and safe rural environment for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles at all times of the day;
  3. Servicing and refuse storage should be located sensitively and screened where possible;
  4. All advertisements must be of an appropriate size and type in relation to the premises and to the street scene; and
  5. External materials should be of high quality and local materials should be used to create a distinctive character and identity.

This policy should be read in conjunction with Core Strategy Policy 33.

Justification and guidance on implementation

11.6.6 The distinctive characteristics and typology of the Crews Hill Defined Area are identified in the Enfield Characterisation Study (2011). This has been used to inform this policy, with the aim of ensuring that future development contributes towards improving the appearance of this sensitive area of the Green Belt.


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